Di Cao Qing - De Zong

Di Cao Qing, or 'Low-Grade Green,' is a rare, iron-rich clay from the Huanglong mountain mine. It fires to a deep, subtle blue-green hue with golden sand-like particles and develops a rich, jade-like patina over time. Its high mineral content enhances tea flavor absorption, making it ideal for aging with use.

The De Zong shape is a classic, upright cylindrical form with a sturdy, balanced handle and a spout designed for smooth, drip-free pouring. Its wide body allows tea leaves to fully expand, while the clay's porous nature improves heat retention and aroma concentration, perfect for oolongs and puerhs.

Yes, we recommend a gentle seasoning rinse with boiling water, then brewing one or two batches of tea to open the clay's pores. Avoid soap—never use detergent—and hand-dry after each use. Di Cao Qing is sensitive to oil and strong flavors, so dedicate it to one tea type for best patina development.

While technically possible, Di Cao Qing is highly absorbent, so it will retain and blend flavors from previous brews. For the purest taste, we advise using it exclusively with one tea family, such as roasted oolongs or ripe puerhs, to let the clay mature into a personalized flavor profile.

Authentic Di Cao Qing has a matte, slightly rough texture with visible golden sand specks and a cool-to-touch feel. When dry, it appears grayish-blue; when wet, it deepens to a dark olive-green. Our teapot also features a certificate of origin and a hand-carved maker's seal on the base.

It is fully functional for daily use. The robust handle and balanced weight make it comfortable for repeated pouring, while the thick walls of Di Cao Qing withstand thermal shock from boiling water. However, due to its collectible craftsmanship and rare clay, many owners treasure it as both a tool and art piece.