Jianshui Modern “Lianzi” Handmade Small Solo Teapot - 90ml

The Modern Lianzi teapot (莲子壶) takes inspiration from the traditional Lianzi form, named after the rounded shape of a lotus seed. Its full, slightly elongated body, defined foot, broad lid, and compact proportions give it a softer, more upright profile than a purely spherical teapot. This 90ml version is handmade from Jianshui clay (建水陶泥), a dense, iron-rich clay from Yunnan traditionally used for unglazed teaware.

The Lianzi shape creates a deep, rounded brewing chamber with useful space both across the bottom and through the height of the pot. Leaves are not confined to a shallow layer, but the chamber is also not so tall and narrow that they are forced into a tight column. This makes the shape particularly versatile for teas that change considerably as they steep.

Its full lower body gives expanding leaves room to spread outward after they absorb water. This is especially useful with rolled oolongs and pieces of compressed tea, which may begin as compact forms but increase dramatically in size over several infusions. The rounded walls allow those leaves to occupy the chamber naturally instead of being crowded into a narrow base.

At the same time, the slightly taller body provides vertical room for twisted and larger leaves. Wuyi yancha, Dancong, larger-leaf puerh, and aged white tea can loosen and rise as hot water is added without immediately pressing against the lid.

The broad opening also makes the pot practical to use. Larger leaves and small pieces of compressed tea are easier to place inside without breaking them unnecessarily, and fully opened leaves are easier to remove at the end of a session.

Compared with the more spherical Duoqiu, Lianzi has a slightly more elongated brewing chamber and a more defined base. That gives it a little more vertical room while still preserving the rounded interior that works well with expanding leaves. For someone who brews many different leaf styles, this balance makes Lianzi an especially adaptable shape.

Jianshui clay holds heat well, helping the pot maintain a steady temperature through short gongfu infusions. This becomes particularly useful once rolled or compressed leaves begin to open, since repeated hot infusions can continue penetrating deeper into the leaf material.

At approximately 90ml, the pot is well suited to solo gongfu brewing or a few small cups shared between two people. Its compact size allows a high leaf-to-water ratio while still leaving enough interior room for the tea to expand.

Each teapot is individually handmade, so slight differences in proportion, surface, and finishing are natural. With regular use, the unglazed Jianshui clay can gradually develop a deeper surface luster.

The Modern Lianzi is a versatile choice for tea drinkers who brew many different leaf shapes, particularly rolled oolong, twisted oolong, puerh, and larger-leaf teas that benefit from both horizontal and vertical room as they open.