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 charming round pot is made of black Dai clay with a coarse, almost volcanic texture. It features a simple engraving of a fish, a traditional Chinese symbol of abundance. This pot is ~200 ml.
