Most of the teaware we use today is made from ceramic. While glass and metal pieces are also popular, this article focuses on two of the most traditional types—clayware and porcelain.
Welcome to our Debunking Teaware series! Our goal is to help you better understand the materials behind your teaware and feel more confident choosing what works best for your tea journey.
Porcelain Teaware
Porcelain is a type of ceramic made from fine materials like kaolin (Gao Ling clay), feldspar, and quartz. The Chinese city of Jingdezhen is famous for producing high-quality porcelain and has been doing so for centuries.
What makes porcelain special? It’s smooth, stable, and doesn’t change the flavor of your tea. It’s also easy to clean and holds up well over time. Because of its bright, usually white color, porcelain lets you clearly see the tea’s color—something that became popular during China’s Ming Dynasty.
Porcelain teaware is fired at very high temperatures—over 1200°C (2200°F)—which makes it denser and more refined than clayware. It can be thick or very thin, but the thin, almost translucent pieces are considered the most elegant.
Also Read: Tea vs Coffee: Health Benefits and Brewing Gear
Clayware Teaware
Clayware is one of the oldest and most common forms of ceramic. If you’ve ever taken a pottery class, chances are you made something with clay. It’s made from soil and has a natural, earthy look—think shades of red, brown, gray, and cream.
Clay teaware has a rustic charm and feels grounded, literally. Since clay is porous, it absorbs some of the tea over time. That means your teapot will show its age and develop character with use—something many tea lovers find beautiful.
Clayware is fired at lower temperatures—around 800°C (1500°F)—which makes it more porous and less dense. The upside? Some clay pieces can be used directly over a flame. For food safety, though, we recommend using glazed clayware.
What About Purple Clay Teapots?
Ah, purple clay (also known as Zisha)—this one deserves its own spotlight. It’s a special kind of clay that’s somewhere between regular clayware and porcelain. It’s fired at temperatures between 1000–1200°C (1800–2200°F), so it’s dense but still breathable.
Purple clay teapots are usually unglazed, which means they absorb flavors easily. Over time, this creates a natural patina and a one-of-a-kind tea experience. These teapots have been popular since the late Ming Dynasty and come in many forms—from wheel-thrown Chaozhou pots to handcrafted Yixing teapots. Even tea pets are often made from leftover purple clay, adding sentimental value.
Keep in mind, though—because purple clay is porous, it can affect the taste of your tea and may require a bit more care.
Also Read: How to Store Your Teaware Safely (And Prevent Cracks)
So… Which One Should You Choose?
It really comes down to personal taste.
- Want something clean, delicate, and elegant? Go with porcelain.
- Prefer a rustic, earthy feel with a bit more weight? Try clayware.
Porcelain is generally lighter, which is easier on your wrist, while clay pieces are heavier and feel more grounding. And while porcelain is technically harder, both can break if dropped—so handle with care!
At the end of the day, both styles are fantastic for brewing tea. Pick the one that fits your vibe and enjoy the journey.