Bigger teapots are not very common in Taiwan, so when we come across a well-designed quality-made one we can't resist. This is a brand new creation from the clay workshop we work with. It's shape and proportions are inspired by the near-round traditional Yuan Zhu shape of which we propose both a pocket and a smaller gongfu size pots. This larger 350 ml size version has all the attributes of the classic shape but also features some well-appointed contemporary touches. The first easily noticeable one is the shape of the knob which proposes a large concave surface on the top which is both stylish and ergonomically efficient in helping to hold the lid when serving with one hand. The handle features a beautiful tapered ellipse with a rounded inside surface yet flat on the outside for precise handling. The spout is nicely tapered with a generous diameter at the tip for fast emptying of the liqueur as is the custom in Taiwan. The volume of this pot is perfect for larger group gongfu settings or for more western-style tea preparations. We've been using ours for not only Taiwanese teas but Chinese green and black teas as well as the too infrequent Darjeelings we could have in the last year. Like all the items that form our new series of Taiwanese-made clay ware, they are impeccably made with very precise tolerances and great precision in the hand finishing. The walls are thicker and even; the spout and handle are straight and perfectly aligned; finally, the clay used is tested to be free of heavy metals and contaminants. Not only is this a good introductory pot into the world of un-glazed clay ware but, first and foremost, it is a good quality teapot that will be sure to give years of good service at a fraction of the cost of similar quality authentic Yixing ware. Made in Taiwan.