Ceramic

Tea is a combination of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. Why so? The TV series "Chicken Feathers to the Sky" features a classic scene: "Tea, a fine tree of the south." The opening words of Lu Yu's "The Classic of Tea" are telling, indicating that tea belongs to wood. Here, when we refer to tea, we mean the tea plant, not the finished product. So, what is the relationship between tea and the five elements? How can the five elements achieve yin-yang harmony? What considerations should be given to how teaware is placed? 01 Tea has the Five Elements, the Way of Nourishing with Tea Metal: "Pan-fried to halt oxidation," it belongs to "metal." Fire: Tea is pan-fried using fire, which defines its character. Water: Tea is brewed with water, which unfolds its leaves and reveals its aroma. Earth: Brewing requires vessels, typically made of clay or porcelain teaware. "Harmony" is the soul of Chinese tea culture. Harmony adjusts yin and yang, harmony generates the five elements, harmony is the middle path, and harmony embodies "unity of heaven and humanity." According to traditional Chinese medicine, if a person's five elements are balanced and their generation and control are appropriate,…

When storing tea, attention should be paid to avoiding light exposure, moisture, odors, and high temperatures. Exposure to sunlight can cause chlorophyll in the leaves to fade, darkening the color of the tea, so care should be taken to avoid light; in damp places, tea is prone to mold, so attention should be given to moisture control; tea has a strong adsorption capacity and can easily absorb odors from other objects, altering its aroma, so care should be taken to avoid odors; additionally, high temperatures can accelerate the degradation of tea, so it's important to avoid high temperatures. What Influences Should Be Noted During the Storage of Tea? I. Green Tea Storage Method: Refrigerate. If you need to store for a short period and want to drink it at any time, place green tea in the refrigerator and set the temperature to around 5°C. If the tea is unopened and you want to preserve it for over a year, then store it in the freezer. Best Time to Drink: Within 1-2 months after opening, or within one year if unopened. Points to Note: 1. You can use quicklime to absorb moisture from the tea, package it in an aluminum composite…

Beloved Yixing clay teapots have come a long way since their origin at the ancient Yangjiao Mountain kiln site in the Northern Song Dynasty, through storms and sunshine, solitude and bustle, never falling out of favor. I. Dragon Fish Pot A classic traditional pot shape, first created by renowned Yixing pot maker Shao Daheng during the Daoguang and Xianfeng eras of the Qing Dynasty. On one side, a fierce dragon head emerges from waves, its mouth spitting out a luminous pearl. On the other side is an image of a carp leaping out of the waves. The lid is shaped like waves rising, with a three-dimensional carved dragon head protruding from the crest, serving as the lid knob. The dragon head can extend and retract; when pouring tea, the dragon head extends, and a dragon tongue extends from inside. When the tea is poured out and the pot is leveled, the dragon head retracts, and the dragon tongue also disappears back into the dragon's mouth, a very ingenious design. II. Shishi (Stone Spout) A traditional classic style made by many famous potters over the generations, each with their own unique style. It includes variants such as Ziyi Shishi, Jingzhou Shishi,…

Infusing black tea 3-5 times is generally best, as continued infusions will result in a very light flavor. However, high-quality black teas can be infused over 10 times, such as Jin Junmei and Yunnan ancient tree black teas. When infusing high-grade black teas, you can use water at 100 degrees Celsius. The techniques for infusing black tea, so you don’t waste it. Tea enthusiasts know that black tea is delicious, but the taste can vary when brewed by different people. For example, if the tea is steeped for too long or too much tea is used, the flavor changes. Knowing some infusion techniques can help bring out the aroma and taste of the tea. Today, I’d like to share some techniques for infusing black tea, [Black Tea Infusion Techniques] Choice of teaware: glassware, ceramic covered bowls, purple clay pots Amount of tea: 5-8g Water temperature: 85-90°C Steeping time: For the first three infusions of black tea, the tea can generally be poured out immediately, with subsequent infusions allowing for slightly longer steeping times. Number of infusions: 5-6 is optimal 1. During the first infusion, about 50% to 55% of the soluble substances in the tea are extracted; 2. The second…

Purple clay is professionally known in the industry as purple clay ore, commonly referred to as five-color soil, and also known as "heavenly blue clay," "reddish-brown clay," "base groove clear clay," "bright red clay," etc. Generally, it refers to the basic raw material for making purple clay pots, a specialty of Yixing.It is found deep beneath the rock layers of Huanglong Mountain, between the "jia clay" strata. In Yixing, purple clay can be found in the clay mines within the Dingshu area. Products made from purple clay, such as purple clay teapots, rice cookers, vases, tea sets, and other purple clay crafts, owe their popularity largely to the tea-drinking culture. A notable feature of the purple clay teapot is that it does not overpower the aroma of tea and lacks a cooked scent; over time, even an empty pot will release a tea fragrance when filled with boiling water.The Aging Process of Purple ClayIn the field of purple clay, aged clay is generally referred to as aged or seasoned clay. This process is also known as soil nurturing and is commonly called storing the clay. It is one of the processing steps for purple clay ore. After the purple clay…

Generally, Oolong tea is best for gongfu brewing, but white tea, black tea, yellow tea, and dark tea can also be used. Since these teas are processed after fermentation, the resulting infusion is clear and bright in color with a better taste and lingering flavor. Can Black Tea Be Used for Gongfu Brewing? 1. Selecting Suitable Black Tea: Gongfu brewing usually suits single-origin teas, and there are many varieties of black tea, each with different flavors and aromas. Choosing the right variety of black tea is crucial. Generally, Yunnan black (Dian Hong), Lapsang Souchong, Keemun black tea, and Golden Eyebrow are suitable for gongfu brewing. 2. Controlling Brewing Time: Gongfu brewing requires shorter steeping times, while black tea typically needs longer steeping times, usually around 3-5 minutes. It's important to control the brewing time to avoid overly strong or weak tea. 3. Adjusting Water Temperature: Gongfu brewing typically uses boiling water, whereas black tea should be brewed at a slightly lower temperature, around 90°C. Adjusting the water temperature is necessary to prevent the tea from being too hot or too cool. 4. Selecting Suitable Tea Ware: Gongfu brewing often uses clay pots or glass cups, while black tea is better…

When brewing white tea, the water temperature should be controlled between 90-100°C. Fresh white tea, with its tender texture, is suitable for brewing with boiling water above 90°C. For aged white tea, it requires boiling water at 100°C to awaken its inner qualities. Brewing Water Temperature for White Tea The water temperature for brewing white tea is 100°C. As a fermented tea, the use of boiling water helps extract the inner substances from the leaves, resulting in a more fragrant and flavorful infusion. If the water temperature is too low, the tea leaves will not fully open, leading to a bland taste. When brewing white tea, it is recommended to use a lidded bowl. First, place the dry tea leaves inside, then pour in boiling water to rinse the tea. After 5 seconds, discard the water. Then add boiling water again, do not cover, and after 1-2 minutes when the tea has expanded, it can be consumed. Brewing Time for White Tea The brewing time for white tea varies according to the number of infusions. The first infusion takes about 5 minutes, the second takes around 3 minutes, and subsequent infusions should also be kept around 3 minutes. Typically, white…

    Authenticity Guaranteed As with any artwork that gains value, forgeries are bound to follow, and purple clay teapots are no exception. Here are several ways to distinguish authentic purple clay teapots from fakes: First, the clay and its texture. The clay used in different eras comes from different veins, each with distinct colors, particle sizes, and luster. Early pots were made from clay closer to the surface, which gives them a rougher texture and lighter color. The "sky-blue clay" of the late Qing period differs from other historical clays; it was coarse enough to be engraved with bamboo knives and wooden seals. Second, the craftsmanship and technique. Purple clay artisans have their unique styles, such as the smoothness of the surface, the thickness and curvature of lines, and the sharpness or roundness of contours. Third, the spirit and aura. Genuine works by renowned artists possess an unimitable spirit and vitality, making this the most important criterion for identification. These artists combine exceptional artistic sensibilities, skilled craftsmanship, deep understanding of clay properties, and mastery over firing temperatures, resulting in distinctive pieces that stand on their own. Fourth, calligraphy and painting characteristics. The landscapes, flowers, birds, and figures depicted on the pots…

Tang Dynasty tea utensils During the Kaiyuan period of Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty, people across the country, regardless of their religious beliefs, made drinking tea a part of daily life. It was during this time that tea culture developed and the production of tea utensils entered an upward trajectory. This stimulated the production of Tang Dynasty ceramics, and places that produced tea also promoted the development of local kilns. Yuezhou, Shouzhou, Wuzhou, and Qiongzhou were all known for both abundant tea and ceramic production. Due to differences in social status, people's pursuit of the use value and cultural value of tea utensils varied. The imperial court favored luxurious utensils made of gold, silver, jade, and other precious materials. Commoners, on the other hand, preferred utensils that were economical, practical, and aesthetically pleasing, mainly using ceramic tea sets. Tea Bowls According to archaeological records, Tang Dynasty porcelain bowls have been unearthed in many regions across the country. Although these bowls from different kilns had distinct regional characteristics, they shared one common feature: they all produced wide-mouthed bowls with slim bases and a flat bottom resembling a jade disc. In "The Classic of Tea – Chapter Four: Utensils," Lu Yu…

Metal utensils are among the oldest in China, made from materials such as gold, silver, copper, iron, and tin. Before Qin Shi Huang unified China, bronze vessels were already widely used, both for alcohol and for holding tea or water. As tea became a beverage, tea ware gradually separated from other types of utensils. Around the Northern and Southern Dynasties, China saw the emergence of silver and gold tea ware. During the Sui and Tang dynasties, the production of silver and gold utensils reached its peak. From the Song Dynasty onwards, opinions on metal tea ware were mixed. After the Yuan Dynasty, especially starting from the Ming Dynasty, with innovations in tea varieties, changes in tea-drinking methods, and the rise of ceramic tea ware, metal tea ware, including those made of silver, gradually disappeared. Particularly, tea ware made of tin, iron, and lead was believed to alter the taste of tea, leading to their rare usage. Silver and gold tea ware can be classified by material: those made of silver are called silver tea ware, while those made of gold are called gold tea ware. Silverware decorated with gold foil or gilded is referred to as gilded tea ware. Due…

There are several methods for storing Pu'er tea at home, such as in ceramic jars, tin cans, leather paper bags, cardboard boxes, purple clay pots, aluminum foil bags, or in their original packaging. When storing, it's important to ensure they are sealed, kept dry, out of direct sunlight, and away from odors. For single cakes of Pu'er tea, you can use aluminum foil bags to seal them. For multiple cakes, pack them in leather paper bags and place them in a cardboard box, then seal the box. How to Store Pu'er Tea at Home? 1. Tea easily absorbs odors, so store it away from kitchens, bathrooms, and areas where cosmetics or medicines are kept. 2. Choose a location that is not prone to dampness. Once tea becomes damp, it can easily develop mold. In mild cases, this may result in a storage flavor that alters the taste; in severe cases, it can produce an unpleasant musty odor, rendering the tea undrinkable. If the tea gets damp and you catch it early, you can air it out in a well-ventilated area or sun-dry it until it is dry. However, if the tea has already developed significant mold, no matter how good…

In the vast array of ceramic categories, the decorative techniques used on purple clay pots can be considered the most numerous and richly varied. Some enthusiasts may find their pots attractive but struggle to articulate what makes them so. Today, we will share several decorative techniques with you. Note: Carving, as a separate category, is not covered in this article. Twisted Clay This technique involves combining two or more differently colored purple clay materials through kneading or layering to create a patterned effect. The patterns produced through twisted clay are colorful and rich in texture. Stamping ▲ Stamping This refers to first carving the designed pattern onto a hard material template, such as wood or stone, and then pressing a clay sheet onto it. ▲ Stamping Since the template's pattern is recessed, the resulting clay sheet is raised, as seen in previously mentioned examples like the Man Sheng Crescent Moon and Roof Tile Teapots. Clay Painting ▲ Clay Painting Purple clay is beaten into a paste-like consistency and painted onto the body of the pot according to the design, creating a layered effect that is dense and refined. Applied Sculpture ▲ Applied Sculpture This is commonly used in decorative purple…

When it comes to materials for brewing tea, many people think of glass, ceramic, or stainless steel. However, in recent years, a material called PPSU has started to gain attention. Can PPSU material be used for brewing tea? This article will explore this question in detail and provide you with some practical advice. (Image source from the Internet, delete if infringing) What is PPSU Material? PPSU, which stands for polyphenylsulfone, is a high-performance thermoplastic. It has excellent impact resistance, chemical resistance, and heat resistance. PPSU is commonly used in medical devices, food containers, and aerospace applications because it can withstand high-temperature sterilization without releasing harmful substances. Safety of PPSU Material PPSU material is widely used in the medical field, such as surgical instruments and sterilization trays, indicating its performance under high temperatures and harsh conditions. According to available data, PPSU can withstand temperatures up to 180°C and has good hydrolytic stability and chemical resistance:citation[oaicite:0]{index=0}. These properties ensure that PPSU remains stable in hot water and steam environments, without breaking down or releasing harmful substances. Can PPSU Material Be Used for Brewing Tea? Based on the characteristics of PPSU, the answer is yes. PPSU material can withstand the high temperatures required…

Celadon, the pinnacle of glory in the history of Chinese ceramics, and Plums Green is the finest of celadons. How many are enchanted by that lustrous verdure? On scorching summer days, tea is most appropriate. Prepare a set of Plums Green celadon tea wares. Just one glance brings a sense of coolness. The Plums Green celadon evokes memories of green plums hanging from branches on rainy early summer days at first sight. This fresh and elegant aura easily stirs memories of youth. Green glaze is the earliest colored glaze in China. The yellowish-green glaze of proto-porcelain during the Shang and Zhou dynasties marked the early stage of green glaze. By the Han dynasty, pure green glazed porcelain had been produced. By the Tang dynasty, it reached perfection and was acclaimed as "the verdure of a thousand peaks." Plums Green, the finest of celadons; and celadon, the pinnacle of glory in ceramic history. The Plums Green glaze has a gray base tone, with hues of green and blue, the glaze layer is thick like congealed fat, and the glaze surface is lustrous and clear. Its beauty cannot be fully appreciated at first glance, and its charm is indescribable. The exquisite Plums…

"Handmade" Purple Clay teapots can perhaps be understood as follows: apart from very low-quality "slipcast pots" (a method similar to metal casting), all Purple Clay teapots are handmade. It's more appropriate to say that the body of the teapot, lid, and knob are all handmade rather than simply stating "fully handmade teapot." The term "handmade teapot" now is either a popular catchphrase or one used by sellers to intentionally blur the lines for sales purposes. When delved into, "handmade teapot" generally refers to a Purple Clay teapot made without the use of molds. As Purple Clay teapots receive increasing attention across society, new concepts have emerged in the Purple Clay world. The classification and naming of clay materials already make people feel lost, and in recent years, the concept of "handmade teapots" has appeared. In the market, it is common to see descriptions such as "handcrafted" or "purely handcrafted" being used to justify the price of teapots. Such statements are so bold that even the old artisans who traditionally used molds to make Purple Clay teapots would feel ashamed. How should we understand "handmade teapots"? By its name, fully handmade means entirely crafted by hand. So, is a teapot made…

Never keep the tea sealed all the time; airtight storage is fatal to the transformation of the tea. It's important to emphasize "sealed," but it also needs appropriate ventilation. For example, if the weather clears up after being sealed for some time, we can open the self-sealing bag to ventilate after one or two clear days, and then seal it again after 7-8 hours. Once the rainy season has passed and humidity decreases, we can open the self-sealing bag and store the tea naturally. Puer tea must not be stored airtight all the time. Puer tea cannot be stored airtight, and the warehouse where the tea is stored needs appropriate ventilation. It's essential to keep the room clean and not to store the tea with other objects that have a strong smell, as Puer tea is highly absorbent and can easily pick up odors over time. The best way to store Puer tea is in a purple clay jar, not in airtight glass containers. The method of storing Puer tea is simple: just place the tea in a cool, ventilated area without any strange smells. Generally, avoid direct sunlight, do not store it in the refrigerator, do not place it…

We have learned a lot about how to store Pu'er tea, mostly focusing on the storage methods for whole cakes. But how should we store opened Pu'er tea? How to Store an Opened Pu'er Tea Cake 1. If you only pry off a small portion to drink and haven’t fully opened the cake, you can use the original cotton paper to wrap up the remaining tea cake and store it in a dry place away from light, keeping an eye on any changes in the environment. Once opened, the tea cake cannot be stored for a long time and should be consumed gradually afterwards. 2. If the Pu'er tea cake has been completely opened, you can store it in a clean purple clay jar or ceramic jar, taking care to prevent dampness and sunlight. Do not seal the lid tightly; instead, place a bamboo charcoal bag at the opening, which can absorb moisture and is very beneficial for preventing dampness. 3. When storing Pu'er tea cakes, it’s essential to keep them away from dampness, light, and strong odors. However, don’t completely seal the container to avoid light; ensure there is some ventilation, as this is conducive to the aging of…

Speaking of the Kunming warehouse, storing Pu'er raw tea for around twenty years is completely feasible. However, many teas are consumed before they reach that age, which leads to the notion that Pu'er tea does not have an expiration date. Compared to storage duration, I believe that the storage environment is the key point, as a good storage environment ensures proper transformation of Pu'er tea over time. Don’t waste your fine tea due to improper preservation. How Long is the Shelf Life of Pu'er Raw Tea?In the process of storing Pu'er tea, you should choose appropriate methods based on the specific conditions of the tea rather than simply focusing on the length of storage time.The aroma components in Pu'er raw tea mainly consist of alkenes, aromatic ring alcohols, aldehydes and ketones, phenols, heterocyclic compounds, lactones, hydrocarbons, etc. These components present different fragrances, so when tasting Pu'er tea, one often experiences various levels of fragrance, which are directly related to the raw materials used and the storage process. If the storage conditions are excellent, Pu'er tea can be preserved for at least 30-40 years, although its taste and health benefits will be significantly reduced.It's important to note that for storing Pu'er…

There are many "obviously fake" imitations and traps in the Purple Clay market. Many enthusiasts often ask us to authenticate various teapots. Here are a few types of teapots that you may have come across. Be very careful. Injection-molded teapots Pure Purple Clay cannot be used to make injection-molded teapots, so during the process of making these, a lot of glass water is added to the clay. The clay is placed in a ball mill for 48 hours, turning it into a very fine slurry. The slurry is then poured into molds, left for 1-2 minutes, taken out, dried, and processed into teapots. One person can produce 300-500 injection-molded teapots in a day. The glass water does not evaporate at high temperatures but seeps directly into the Purple Clay. Glass water contains water, alcohol, ethylene glycol, corrosion inhibitors, and sometimes methanol, formaldehyde, and glycol. Methanol is highly toxic to the human nervous and blood systems, causing toxic reactions when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Methanol vapor can damage the respiratory mucosa and vision. To deal with such fakes, first, do not be misled by low prices of a few dollars or tens of dollars, buying cheap teapots with…

Pu'er tea has a shelf life of 10 to 20 years. Made from unique large-leaf varieties, Pu'er tea is categorized into raw and ripe types based on its processing method. Its thick and robust leaves are rich in flavor and have the potential for aging, hence there isn't a fixed expiration date. It is generally believed that Pu'er tea can be stored for 15 to 20 years. According to the national standard GBT22111-2008, under proper storage conditions, Pu'er tea can be preserved for an extended period. How does the national standard define the shelf life of Pu'er tea?From the definition of Pu'er tea itself: Pu'er tea is made from sun-dried tea leaves produced in specific regions of Yunnan, which undergo post-fermentation and can be processed as loose or compressed tea. Therefore, the national standard provides a guideline for the shelf life, stating that under the conditions specified in GBT22111-2008, Pu'er tea can be stored long-term. However, long-term storage ≠ permanent storageIn 1963, during the disposal of Qing dynasty tribute teas at the Forbidden City in Beijing, over two tons of aged teas were discovered, including some Pu'er teas. In Wang Yufeng's article "Pu'er Tea and the Qing Dynasty," he mentioned:…

Duan ni is a type of purple clay. A teapot made from duan ni is called a duan ni purple clay teapot. Duan ni can be basically divided into three types: original mine duan ni, old duan ni, and blended duan ni. Old duan ni is original mine duan ni that has undergone a certain period of aging. Golden duan and sesame duan are blended duan nis, such as sesame duan which is made by blending purple clay particles into Ben Shan green clay. Blended clay is primarily used to highlight the texture of the clay, and in recent years, many enthusiasts have come to appreciate it. The key lies in how well the blending is executed, and whether one likes it or not depends on personal aesthetic preferences. Duan ni purple clay teapots have some distinctive characteristics compared to other types of teapots. A characteristic of high-quality duan ni purple clay teapots is that the purple clay particles are not very noticeable. In Ben Shan green clay, they seem to only serve the purpose of altering its color. There are layers, like jade. Duan ni cannot be fired to achieve the pure Ben Shan green color; when fired, Ben…

For tea intended for consumption in the near future, it is recommended to store it in a sealed aluminum foil bag. Open the bag when you need to pry off some tea, and then return the remainder and reseal it. You can also choose glazed ceramic jars that do not allow air to pass through or well-sealed tin cans. As long as the seal is tight, it will prevent excessive oxidation. Some people are accustomed to storing loose tea in purple clay pots, but this may lead to excessive oxidation and diminish the flavor of the tea. When dealing with older teas with odd odors, young raw teas with prominent astringency, or teas that have suddenly developed an acidic taste—small issues like these can be addressed by placing the tea in a purple clay pot. The tea comes into contact with oxygen inside the purple clay pot, which helps to break down the substances causing the odd odors, astringency, or acidity. However, if left too long, the tea’s body will become dispersed and many active compounds will be lost. Therefore, it is not recommended to store Pu'er tea in a purple clay pot for long-term preservation. How Should Pu'er Tea…

Ancient tree tea, as a precious type of tea, is beloved by tea enthusiasts for its unique flavor and rich nutritional value. However, how to properly brew ancient tree tea to maximize its unique flavor and aroma is a question that perplexes many. Today, we will provide a detailed guide on how to brew ancient tree tea so you can easily enjoy this rich cup of tea at home. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Selecting and Preparing the Tea To brew a good cup of ancient tree tea, selecting the right tea leaves is essential. Ancient tree tea generally comes in two types: raw (sheng) and ripe (shou), each with its unique brewing method and taste. When choosing the tea, select based on your personal preference. Raw tea has a fresh and clean taste, suitable for those who prefer light and fragrant teas, while ripe tea has a richer and more robust flavor, better suited for those who enjoy a bolder taste. Water Quality and Temperature The choice of water for brewing is crucial. It's best to use mineral water or mountain spring water, which helps preserve the aroma and taste of the ancient tree tea. Tap water, due…

As tea culture continues to evolve, people’s requirements for tea ware have become increasingly higher. Not only is there a demand for its functionality, but also for its aesthetic value. It can be said that the more exquisite the tea ware, the more pleasant the tea tasting experience becomes. Therefore, fine tea ware often adds much enjoyment to tea drinking. Due to their different materials used in production, tea wares can be categorized into earthenware tea ware, porcelain tea ware, metal tea ware, glass tea ware, and bamboo & wood tea ware. Each type has its own unique charm and brings a different kind of enjoyment during tea tasting. 1. Earthenware Tea Ware Earthenware tea ware is the earliest type of tea ware in China. As early as the initial period of Northern Song Dynasty, earthenware tea ware had already taken shape. Since it is fired at high temperatures and densely sintered, it is both leak-proof and has microscopic pores invisible to the naked eye. This means it neither heats up too quickly nor gets too hot to handle. Furthermore, the shapes of earthenware tea ware are often simple yet elegant with various forms and colors that are rustic and…