At first I want to note a brilliant customer service. I was provided with full support starting with choosing the right teapot (including various pouring videos I asked for)and finishing with receiving my order in Portugal, solving all sorts of different problems I faced with our "beloved" CTT service.
Second - the packaging. The teapot was secured with multiple rounds of bubble wrap and put into a gorgeous gift box. I also got a handy tea towel and a lovely designed teapot passport. You might say this is irrelevant, but I disagree. IIf you're considering this shop - be sure, they'll treat you well, with patience, respect, and on time.
Now the teapot itself. I'm not proficient enough to distinguish a full handmade teapot from a half handmade one, so I won't leave any comments here. The lid on my teapot fits perfectly, not a single drop leaks while pouring. I should say it's a great sign, because the woofiring can make it more difficult to fit. The pouring speed is fine. The carving is very detailed and extremely skillfully crafted. There's a blooming plum tree on one side and a beautiful poem about plum blossom on the other. Adorable and very calming. The color of the clay is more on the light gray side rather than black, it's a little bit different from the photos.
The teapot is very pleasant to operate, it feels good in a hand and it doesn't burn your fingers. It's very good both technically and visually. I feel happy, because it's hard to find a fine Yixing teapot online. I mean, it's not hard, but there's certain risk.
Overall I'm happy with my 3ppl teapot (160cc) and I'm going to buy another sub-100cc one for my solo sessions to use with aged shengs only.
