Water is the mother of tea, and the vessel is its father. To Brew a good cup of tea, both the choice of water and the brewing vessel are crucial. What kind of tea ware should you choose when brewing Pu'er tea to best present its characteristics?
A fine cup of tea is the result of a harmonious interplay between the tea, water, and vessel. When selecting tea ware, practicality should be the primary consideration, followed by aesthetics and overall coordination. There are various types of tea brewing vessels, made from materials such as Porcelain, Clay, and glass, in different shapes, including Teapots and covered bowls. Today, we will introduce some commonly used tea wares for brewing Pu'er tea.
1. Covered Bowl (Gaiwan)
A covered bowl, also known as a gaiwan, is a three-piece tea ware set consisting of a lid, bowl, and saucer. Mr. Lu Xun once said, “To enjoy good tea, one should use a covered bowl.” Gaiwans are widely used and are often referred to as “versatile tea wares,” suitable for brewing almost any type of tea.
White porcelain gaiwans do not absorb the aroma of the tea, have good heat dissipation, are easy to control and clean, and do not alter the intrinsic properties of the tea. They can effectively present the quality of the tea, highlighting both its strengths and weaknesses. They are ideal for appreciating the aroma, observing the liquor color, and examining the infused leaves, making them indispensable for daily tea tasting.
2. purple Clay Teapot
Purple clay is a unique type of red clay, and items made from it are called “purple clay wares,” or simply “purple clay.” Purple clay teaware originated in the Song Dynasty and became popular during the Ming and Qing dynasties, with a long history. The thick walls of a purple clay teapot provide excellent heat retention, which helps release the inner qualities and aromas of aged teas. Therefore, tea brewed in a purple clay teapot tends to have a more intense and lingering fragrance compared to other types of teapots.
However, purple clay easily absorbs flavors, so it's recommended to use separate teapots for different teas to avoid flavor mixing, which could affect the presentation of each tea's characteristics. Tender teas are better suited for brewing in a gaiwan rather than a purple clay teapot. Using a purple clay teapot to brew Pu'er tea is a perfect match, as it can fully showcase the aroma and taste of the tea.
3. Purple Clay Pot
Purple clay teaware has very fine pores, good thermal conductivity, and rapid heat dissipation, preventing overheating. In recent years, purple clay pots have received high praise from many tea enthusiasts for brewing aged Pu'er tea. This is because tea brewed in a purple clay pot often exhibits a higher level of purity in the liquor, with a softer and fuller mouthfeel and a rich, mellow aroma.
There are various materials available for tea brewing vessels, such as silver, clay, iron, and glass. For those who enjoy cooking tea, we do not recommend using an iron pot. If the inner surface of the iron pot has not been treated to prevent oxidation, the polyphenols in the tea can react with the iron, causing the liquor to turn black. Using clay, silver, or glass pots for cooking tea produces better results. Tea cooked in a silver pot tends to have a smoother and silkier texture; if you enjoy watching the liquor change color, a glass pot would be a good choice.
Throughout history, Chinese people have been very particular about their tea ware. Generally speaking, tea enthusiasts do not excessively pursue famous kilns or expensive wares but instead focus on the tea itself, combining beauty and practicality to best present the true aroma, excellent flavor, and authentic color of the tea.