Black Fang Gu teapot

Rooted in tradition and finished with a contemporary edge, this Yixing teapot embodies the classic Fang Gu form—an homage to ancient bronze ritual vessels known for their robust, rounded silhouette and dignified presence.

What truly sets this piece apart is its deep, charcoal-black hue—achieved through huan yuan shao (还原烧), or reduction firing. This specialized kiln atmosphere reduces oxygen during the firing process, transforming the natural reddish-brown tone of zini (紫泥) into this subtle, smoky black while preserving the clay’s distinctive speckled texture.

The matte finish highlights the natural grain of the clay, offering a tactile experience that feels earthy yet refined. Its broad base gives tea leaves ample space to unfurl, promoting full flavor extraction, while the short, precisely angled spout ensures a clean, drip-free pour. The lid fits snugly and seamlessly into the body, topped with a gracefully arched knob that balances ornamentation with function. The side handle is ergonomically designed for comfort and control, even when pouring multiple steepings.

With continued use, this pot will develop a rich patina that deepens both in appearance and aroma, enhancing each session with quiet nuance. Ideal for brewing darker teas such as shu pu'er, roasted oolongs, or aged white teas, this Fang Gu teapot is a refined yet versatile choice—blending history, craftsmanship, and understated elegance in a single, timeless form.

Written by Dominik

Why do I need a Yixing teapot?

The material and shape of Yixing teapots are ideal for brewing tea. They bring out the flavor of the tea like no other tea vessel. Handmade Yixing teapots are also valuable handicrafts that are sought after by collectors. Their value increases with time, use and the popularity of the artist.

Yixing teapots are made from a rare and exhaustible clay that is mined in the mountains near Yixing, a city in Jiangsu Province. The high density yet porous nature of the clay absorbs the odor of the tea brewed in it. For this reason, it is recommended to use the pot with only one type of tea (such as black or green). Take your tea to the next level; treat yourself to an authentic Yixing teapot.