A Guide to Yixing Clay Types: The Soul of Traditional Chinese Teapots
Yixing clay, also known as Zisha (紫砂), is the cornerstone of Chinese teapot artistry. It comes in several major types—Purple Clay (Zini), Red Clay (Hongni), Green Clay (Luni), and Section Clay (Duanni)—each with unique mineral compositions, firing characteristics, and brewing behavior.
For seasoned tea lovers and collectors, clay isn’t just about color—it affects how a teapot breathes, how it holds heat, and how it brings out the flavor in tea. Let’s take a closer look at the core Yixing clay types and their main subcategories.
1. Purple Clay (Zini)
Color: The raw ore appears purple or reddish-purple with green specks. After firing, it can turn purple, purple-brown, purple-black, or greenish at high temperatures.
Common Subtypes and Characteristics:
| Type | Notes |
|---|---|
| Di Cao Qing | From the lowest layer of the Zini ore. Fires to a purplish-red or dark brown. |
| Qing Shui Ni | Mined from the middle layer. Fires to a rich, moist red. |
| Tian Qing Ni | Premium Zini; extremely rare. Fires to a dark liver color with bluish tones. |
| Hong Pi Long | Found beneath the yellow-stone layer. Fires to a vivid red. |
Key Features:
High plasticity and forming stability
Strong structure, good for larger teapots
Excellent breathability and patina development
Ideal for light-roast oolong and young raw puerh teas
2. Red Clay (Hongni)
Color: Depending on iron content, fired colors range from orange-red to yellow-red or reddish-purple. It can take on tones like cinnabar, coral red, or peony red.
Common Subtypes and Characteristics:
| Type | Notes |
|---|---|
| Zhuni | Golden or pale green raw ore. Fires to vermilion with orange undertones; patinas to a deep red. |
| Xiao Hongni | Pure, soft red clay. Fires to bright vermilion. |
| Da Hongpao | Top-grade Zhuni. Fires to a vivid, luminous red. |
Key Features:
Very fine texture and minimal grit
High shrinkage; best for smaller teapots
Strong tea affinity; enhances flavor and mouthfeel
Ideal for Tieguanyin, roasted oolongs, and various puerh types
3. Green Clay (Luni)
Color: Raw ore is light green. After firing, it turns ivory yellow (lower temperatures) or golden brown (optimal firing).
Common Subtypes and Characteristics:
| Type | Notes |
|---|---|
| Benshan Luni | Pale green dense ore from Huanglong Mountain. Fires to light yellow, ivory, or greenish hues. |
| Mo Luni | Inky-toned clay with good plasticity. Fires to dark yellow at ~1160°C; ~8% shrinkage. |
| Zhima Luni | Mixed with other clays; greenish hue. Fires with dark specks that patina into reddish tones. |
Key Features:
Lightweight, breathable body
High water absorption
Best for lightly roasted oolongs, green teas, red teas, and puerh
4. Section Clay (Duanni)
Color: A naturally occurring mix of purple and green clays. After firing, it shows a wide color range—blue, ivory, ochre, or brown—depending on mineral ratio and kiln temperature.
Common Subtypes and Characteristics:
| Type | Notes |
|---|---|
| Lao Duanni | Aged and fermented. Fires to a yellow tone with hints of red. |
| Huangjin Duan | Weathered surface layer of Duanni ore. Fires to a dark gold color. |
| Zhima Duan | Blended Zini and Duanni. Fires to reddish-yellow or ochre; strong texture. |
| Qinghui Duan | Purified and high-fired version of Zhima Duan. Appears gray-blue. |
| Bai Duan | Fires to light goose yellow with a few red specks. |
Key Features:
Rich surface texture and complex coloration
Excellent air permeability
Patinas with depth and contrast over time
Suitable for puerh, semi-fermented teas, roasted oolong, black and green teas
A great Yixing teapot starts with great clay. In traditional craftsmanship, there’s a saying: “The clay is the body, the shape is the soul.” The artistry of the potter brings it to life, but it’s the clay that defines how the teapot feels, functions, and evolves.
Understanding the core types of Zisha clay not only helps you choose the right teapot for your favorite teas, but also deepens your appreciation for the beauty and complexity of Chinese teaware. High-quality clay matures with use—after just a few brews, you’ll notice how the pot darkens, softens, and reflects your tea journey.
