Understanding Duan Ni: A Practical Guide to Yixing Duan Ni Clay

1. If you missed our previous article about Zini (紫泥), you can read it here. Today, we turn our attention to Duan Ni (段泥), another essential and fascinating clay type in the Yixing Zisha system. Over the years, I’ve handled many Duan Ni teapots, and what always strikes me is the variety in color and texture—no two teapots are ever exactly alike. After firing, Duan Ni can appear warm yellow, beige, golden brown, or even with a faint greenish tone. These variations come from the natural minerals in the clay and the firing process, giving each piece its own personality.

To better understand the origins and characteristics of Yixing clays, including Duan Ni, see our detailed guide: Origins and Identification of Yixing Zisha Clay.

2. What Makes Duan Ni (段泥) Unique

Duan Ni is known for its sandy, granular texture. High-quality pieces show layered particles that gradually smooth out and develop a subtle sheen with regular use. Experienced collectors sometimes refer to well-aged Duan Ni as Lao Duan (老段)—these teapots often display richer tones and a softer, almost velvety feel to the touch. Using a Lao Duan teapot over several months can add a quiet warmth to both the tea and the ritual of brewing.

3. Common Sub-Types of Duan Ni (段泥)

• Ben Shan Duan (本山段): Classic form ranging from light yellow to brownish-yellow, sometimes with hints of grey. Small white or black granules may appear depending on the ore source. The subtle color shifts over time make it particularly rewarding for daily use.
• Ben Shan Lv Ni (本山绿泥): Raw ore carries a green tint, rarely fires green. Finished teapots usually show milky yellow with a soft green hint. Dense and slightly sticky texture, often described as “millet porridge-like.”
• Golden Duan / Jin Huang Duan (金黄段): Rare material that fires into earthy yellow or muted gold. Granularity may include flecks of red, yellow, orange, and iron-like black spots. Complements darker teas like Pu-erh.
• Sesame Duan / Zhima Duan (芝麻段): Dense black sesame-like grains caused by iron-rich particles. Visually striking and adds character over time.
• High-Fire Duan / Wood-Fired Duan (高温段 / 木柴段): Designed for higher firing temperatures, often mixed with kaolin. Wood firing creates subtle color transitions and uneven textures, giving each teapot a unique, handcrafted charm.
• Decorative or Mixed Versions: Names like Long Bei Qing (龙背青), Xie Ke Qing (蟹壳青), Purple Jade (紫玉段), or multi-color Duan indicate blended clays. Fun for collectors but may behave differently when brewing tea.

4. Materials Often Confused With Duan Ni (段泥)

Clays like Wuni (乌泥) or Black Dun Tou (黑墩头) are usually industrial and used for flowerpots, while White Clay (白泥) is porcelain-based. White Jade Duan (白玉段), a mix of Duan Ni and white clay, is generally lower grade for teapots. Understanding these distinctions helps avoid surprises when collecting.

5. Firing Behavior and Common Issues

Some Duan Ni contains maifan stone, which can make the surface dry quickly or appear to “breathe.” If a teapot darkens when wet, this may indicate insufficient firing. Well-fired Duan Ni feels solid yet lively, and subtle color changes over months of use are part of its charm.

6. How to Identify Quality Duan Ni (段泥)

• Rich, layered granularity: smooths over time but retains texture
• Balanced, natural color: not too bright or artificial
• Subtle sheen after seasoning: a sign of proper aging
• Authentic color evolution with use: adds depth to both tea and teapot

To see some finished examples, you can browse our curated Yixing Zisha collection.