Rou Bian Yixing Teapot (肉扁宜興胡, Ròu Biǎn Yíxìng Hú, "Flat Meat Yixing Teapot") - This 115 milliliter teapot is made of a dark, fine Duànní (段泥, "Fortified Clay") in the compressed rounded shape known as Rou Bian or "Flat Meat". As with other Yixing teapots, Rou Bian pots are traditionally dedicated to a single type or category of tea, growing in character with use and developing a deep patina that enhances tea made in them.
This pot was comissioned for the Taiwanese market by a Taiwanese teapot merchant whose wife is from Yixing. It was collected by our friend Nathan Davis on a recent trip to Taiwan.