Exploring the Red Clay Series of Yixing Teapots
Share
Red Clay (红泥, Hong Ni) Series
Following our previous discussion on the Origins and Identification of Yixing Zisha Clay (宜兴紫砂泥料的起源与辨识), today we will explore the Red Clay (红泥, Hong Ni) series, one of the most prized materials in Yixing teapot craftsmanship. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to handle and brew with various Red Clay teapots, and it’s fascinating to see how subtle differences in clay origin and processing can affect both the color and the feel of the teapot in hand. The Red Clay series is further subdivided into Huanglongshan Zhuni (黄龙山朱泥), Xiao Meiyao Zhuni (小煤窑朱泥), Zhaozhuang Zhuni (赵庄朱泥), Jiangpo Ni (降坡泥), Xiao Hong Ni (小红泥), and Da Hong Ni (大红泥).
1. Golden Zhuni (黄金朱泥, Huangjin Zhuni)
Composition: Qing Ni (青泥) + Tu Huang Su (土黄素)
Price: 60 CNY per bundle
Its warm golden hue is not only visually striking but also gives the brewed tea a subtle sense of warmth. From my experience, Golden Zhuni develops a soft patina after a few weeks of regular use, making it a favorite among collectors who enjoy gentle color transitions.
2. Purple Zhuni (紫朱泥, Zi Zhuni)
Composition: Zi Ni Powder (紫泥粉末) + Zhuni Slurry (朱泥浆)
This hybrid clay balances the richness of purple clay with the warm tones of Red Clay. Personally, I find that tea brewed in Purple Zhuni teapots carries a slightly deeper aroma while still maintaining the bright, lively notes characteristic of Red Clay.
3. Da Hong Ni & Xiao Hong Ni (大红泥 & 小红泥)
Da Hong Ni (大红泥): The true “Da Hong Pao” is specifically Huanglongshan Da Hong Ni, distinct from the more commonly known Zhuni Da Hong Pao. Its deep red-orange tone intensifies with repeated use.
Xiao Hong Ni (小红泥): After firing, it leans toward an orange-yellow due to lower iron content. One small tip from experience: tapping the teapot gently reveals a softer, less resonant sound compared to Zhuni, which is a subtle but reliable way to distinguish them.
Shrinkage rate:
Xiao Hong Ni: <15%
Zhuni: >20%
4. Xiao Meiyao Zhuni & Zhaozhuang Zhuni (小煤窑朱泥 & 赵庄朱泥)
Xiao Meiyao Zhuni (小煤窑朱泥): Bright orange-red hue, quite cheerful visually.
Zhaozhuang Zhuni (赵庄朱泥, also called Goose Yellow Zhuni / 鹅黄朱泥): Orangey-yellow, more muted but very elegant.
Both are local clay (本地泥料) rather than true mountain clay (本山泥料), but they still produce teapots with excellent brewing qualities.
5. Jiangpo Ni (降坡泥)
Before 1983, it was called Chenxiang Ni (沉香泥). Varieties include Gold Jiangpo (金降坡), Red Jiangpo (红降坡), Purple Jiangpo (紫降坡), and Purple-Red Jade Sand (紫红玉砂). From my experience, Jiangpo Ni teapots tend to retain heat nicely, making them ideal for oolong teas.
6. Raw Sand Zhuni (生砂生料黄龙山朱泥)
Features: Rich granularity at the teapot mouth, three or more colors, excellent breathability, no slurry (无浆). Compared to processed Zhuni, Raw Zhuni shows more texture and irregularity, which I personally find very charming—it’s a tactile experience as much as a visual one.
Red Clay teapots are highly valued not just for their porosity and color, but for the subtle mineral textures that emerge over time. They truly become centerpiece pieces in any Yixing collection. To explore our full selection of Yixing teapots, visit: