This is a "Shi Bian" style pot, meaning "flat shaped stone." This is a classic shape that was invented by the great Qing Dynasty master Yixing potter Man Sheng. Master Man Sheng invented a total of eighteen different shapes for tea pots which became the standards for future potters. The Shi Bian shape is characteristically short, flat and thick-walled. This sort of pot's shallow base is suitable for compressed or small leaf loose puer tea, which will lie evenly along the bottom of the pot.  The leaves are thus exposed evenly to water and heat, creating more uniform brewing and better flavor for the tea. The thickness of this pot also allows for a shorter brewing time.

This pot is about 9cm (3.5in) in diameter.