Dai teapots are relatively new to the Chinese tea ware scene, as the small-format Gong Fu style of tea service has only recently become popular among the Dai people of Southern Yunnan. Like Yixing, Chaozhou, Jianshui, and Nixing teapots, Dai teapots are handcrafted and are traditionally dedicated to a single type of tea.
These pots are produced by Dai Xiang Studio, located in the heart of Jinghong, capital of Xishuangbanna, Austin's sister city in China. They continue the ancient pottery tradition of the Dai people, one of China's 57 official ethnic groups and the majority population in Xishuangbanna. Their work incorporates traditional Dai motifs, techniques, and clay to make stunning unglazed wares.
This handsome Longdan Hu 龙蛋壶 (Dragon Egg Pot) is made of unglazed dark Dai clay and features a carved relief pattern reminiscent of dendritic coral. The intricate organic patterns hold water that is poured over it and slowly dry as the water steams away. The patterns will take on unique lustre and depth with use. This large pot is 255 ml.
