Yixing clay tea set

Chinese Tea Set. Unglazed Clay/Terracotta. Includes: Teapot with handle and lid (200mL) Teapot without handle, with lid (200mL) 2 handled cups (one has a defect underneath, see photo - diameter 6.2 cm) 2 light blue glazed saucers (diameter 8.5 cm) 5 small white glazed cups and 5 saucers. ======== Yixing teapots are small unglazed clay teapots originating from Yixing, China. Compared to ordinary teapots, Yixing teapots are generally much smaller, as they are primarily used for brewing tea in a traditional manner, with a high tea-to-water ratio. These teapots are used with a pitcher and small tea tasting cups on a tea tray. Unlike ordinary ceramic teapots, Yixing teapots are unglazed. Therefore, the surface of the teapots has a porous and rough texture that can absorb liquid. The unglazed feature makes these teapots "breathable." Finally, Yixing teapots are always made from clay sourced from the Yixing region in China. Traditionally, Yixing teapots are made from "zisha" clay (or "purple" clay), which is why they are also known as "zisha teapots." Teapots made from this type of clay have a classic brown-purple surface after firing.