Liu Ruming

Heart Lotus

Regular price: $129.99 USD
Sale price: $129.99 USD
Regular price: ~~$189.99~~

Quantity:

Does the engraved lotus pattern on the Heart Lotus teapot affect the brewing quality, or is it purely decorative?

The lotus carving is thoughtfully placed on the upper body and lid, avoiding contact with the hot water and tea leaves inside. This ensures it won't alter the flavor profile. In fact, the gentle relief texture can help the clay breathe slightly during steeping, which some enthusiasts find enhances the tea's aroma by allowing subtle micro-vibrations as the pot heats up. It is both an artistic feature and a functional refinement.

I’ve heard that lotus symbolizes purity in Chinese culture. Can you explain how this connects to the teapot’s design and tea-drinking philosophy?

Absolutely. In Chinese tradition, the lotus rises from muddy water to bloom unsullied, representing purity, enlightenment, and renewal. The Heart Lotus teapot embraces this symbolism: its organic, unfolding petal lines guide your focus inward, much like a meditative tea session. Brewing tea with this pot is meant to remind you to let go of daily distractions and find clarity in the present moment. It’s a poetic companion for green, white, or lightly oxidized oolong teas that share a clean, refreshing character.

What type of Zisha clay is used for the Heart Lotus, and how can I verify it’s authentic Yixing clay?

This pot is crafted from high-grade Zini (purple clay) from Huanglongshan mine, known for its tight grain and excellent heat retention. Authentic Zini has a distinctive sandy texture that you can feel when you lightly rub the unglazed interior, and it produces a clear, bell-like ring when tapped gently. Every Heart Lotus teapot comes with a certificate of origin and the artisan’s stamp on the base. For extra peace of mind, we also encourage you to perform a water test: authentic Yixing clay will cause water droplets to bead and slowly absorb, rather than pool immediately.

How should I care for the carved lotus details? Can I use a brush to clean the grooves without damaging the pot?

Yes, but with care. Use a soft, unused makeup brush or a bamboo tea brush with gentle bristles to dust the engraved areas when the pot is completely dry. Avoid hard-bristled brushes or metal tools, as they can scratch the clay’s patina. For deeper cleaning, rinse the pot with plain hot water (no soap) and let it air dry face-down on a towel. The lotus grooves will naturally darken over time as they absorb tea oils, which many collectors find adds to the pot’s character. Never soak the pot, as prolonged moisture can weaken the clay around the carving.

I’m considering this as a gift for a friend who runs a wellness studio. Would the Heart Lotus teapot suit a tea ceremony or just everyday brewing?

It is perfect for both. The Heart Lotus is designed to be a daily companion but its serene lotus motif and hand-carved details make it an instant centerpiece for a tea ceremony, gongfu session, or wellness class. Your friend’s studio clients will appreciate its story of transformation and mindfulness. Just keep in mind that the pot has a moderate capacity (about 180ml), ideal for small-group sessions of 2–4 people. If they serve larger gatherings, you might pair it with a matching fairness pitcher.

Does the lotus pattern make this teapot more fragile than a smooth Zisha pot? Could the petals chip easily?

Not at all. The lotus petals are carved into the clay body while it is still leather-hard, then fired at a high temperature (around 1180°C), which fuses the design into the structure. The carving depth is carefully controlled to avoid thin spots. With normal handling—avoiding hard knocks or sudden temperature changes—it is as durable as any quality Zisha teapot. We do recommend warming the pot with a hot water rinse before adding boiling tea water to prevent thermal stress, a good practice for any Yixing piece.

Making Process

tenmoku making of process

Description

There is a quiet ritual in the morning: the scent of oolong rising through steam, the warmth of clay against your palms. The Heart Lotus teapot cradles that moment, its plump body a gentle reminder to pause. Each sip becomes a meditation, a small lotus blooming in your chest. Crafted from rare Yixing zisha clay, this 260ml vessel breathes with the tea. Its 13.7cm form is shaped by hand, then fired at high temperature to develop a patina over time. The 6.0cm caliber ensures perfect leaf expansion, while the clay’s porous nature absorbs the tea’s essence, deepening with every brew. A gift for the mindful tea lover or a self-care treasure, the Heart Lotus transforms daily routine into ceremony. Its compact size fits any desk or tea tray. Pour your favorite pu’er or rock oolong into this heirloom, and let it become part of your story—slow, warm, and alive.

【Total length】: 13.7 CM
【Total height】: 9.3 CM
【Caliber】: 6.0 CM
【Capacity】: 260 ML