Jianshui “Handuo” Handmade Small Solo Teapot - 90ml

Handuo Jianshui Teapot – Tall Bell Form (Approx. 90ml)

The Handuo teapot (汉铎壶) is a traditional Chinese form inspired by the shape of an ancient 铎 (duó), a type of bell. Its tall body gradually widens toward the base, giving the pot a distinctive upright profile while creating a brewing chamber that behaves differently from lower, rounder teapot shapes.

This version is handcrafted from Jianshui clay (建水陶泥), a dense, iron-rich clay traditionally used for unglazed teaware in Yunnan. Jianshui holds heat well and is often chosen for teas that respond well to sustained brewing temperatures.

The Handuo shape is especially useful for teas with larger or longer leaves. Its relatively broad opening makes it easier to place whole leaves into the pot without crushing or folding them, while also making spent leaves easier to remove after brewing.

The body becomes wider toward the bottom, giving the leaves more horizontal space once they settle. Rather than collecting in a narrow pile, the leaves can spread across the base and come into more even contact with the water. This is particularly useful for large twisted leaves, strip-style oolongs, aged white tea, and loosely broken puerh, where overcrowding can restrict how fully the leaves open.

Its taller brewing chamber provides vertical space as the leaves expand. Long or twisted leaves can move both outward and upward rather than being compressed against a low lid. This makes the shape especially appealing for teas such as Wuyi yancha, Dancong, traditionally processed oolong, and larger-leaf white teas.

The narrower upper body also reduces the amount of exposed surface area compared with a very wide, low pot. Combined with the heat retention of Jianshui clay, this helps the pot hold warmth through short gongfu infusions. Teas that benefit from higher brewing temperatures—particularly roasted oolongs and puerh—can take advantage of that thermal stability.

At approximately 90ml, the Handuo is compact enough for concentrated gongfu brewing while still giving the leaves useful room to expand. The short spout provides a direct pour, and the wider base gives the pot a stable footing on the tea table.

Each teapot is shaped and finished by hand, so small differences in proportion and surface are part of the character of each piece. With regular use, the unglazed clay can gradually develop a deeper surface luster.

The Handuo Jianshui Teapot is a particularly good choice when you want a small gongfu pot that gives large, twisted, or expanding leaves more room to open, while maintaining the heat needed for rich, concentrated infusions.