Clay

Old Wang is a well-known master at nourishing purple clay pots in the Suzhou pot circle. The pots that have passed through his hands are all dark and elegant, ancient and simple, as warm and smooth as jade, extremely graceful. Many people have asked Old Wang for advice on how to nourish their pots so well. Old Wang mentioned the importance of frequent washing and use, but the crowd requested more detailed methods. Old Wang sighed deeply; everyone now only saw how well he could nourish his pots, but they didn't know how many beloved pots he had ruined in the process, and in various ways... Over-nourished to Death When Old Wang first started playing with purple clay pots, he heard that pouring tea over the pot daily could make the purple clay pot absorb the tea faster and form a patina. So he poured tea over the pot every day. After pouring tea over the pot, he didn’t wipe it off. His pot-nourishing cloth was used as a tablecloth. After a few months, he found that his pot had uneven dark patches. It had been over-nourished to death. Old Wang beat his chest and stomped his feet. His first…

Gathering around a teapot, having heartfelt conversations, and listening to the sound of boiling water can be an extremely cozy experience. However, many people still have misconceptions about cooking tea. Let's take a look at some things to avoid so that your tea drinking doesn't turn into an embarrassing situation. 01 Cooking Tea Directly in an Iron Teapot Generally, iron teapots have pores and are "breathable." When cooking tea leaves, iron reacts with tannic acid in the tea, forming ferric tannate, which is also a component of blue-black ink. As a result, the tea broth turns bluish-black. While not toxic, it can irritate the stomach lining, causing nausea, vomiting, and digestive issues. Suggestion: Iron teapots are suitable for boiling water, but for cooking tea leaves, clay or glass teapots are recommended for better taste. 02 Any Type of Tea Can Be Cooked There are generally two types of tea suitable for cooking. The first is heavily fermented teas like ripe Pu'er, Liu Bao tea, old tea heads, old tea leaves, aged white tea, and aged Tieguanyin. The second type is aged teas, such as aged white tea, aged Pu'er, aged Wuyi rock tea, and aged Tieguanyin. On the other hand,…

The purple clay teapot is made from clay derived from minerals. In theory, it can be used indefinitely as long as it doesn't break. However, in reality, this isn't always the case. If a teapot is well maintained, it will remain fresh over time. But if during use, its inherent nature as a purple clay teapot is lost, even if the body of the pot remains intact, it loses its significance as a purple clay teapot. To ensure longevity for your purple clay teapot, the key lies in doing these things correctly.1Initiating the TeapotUse the right method to initiate the teapot and preserve the sandy properties of the purple clay. Popular online methods such as the "apple initiation method" or the "sugarcane initiation method" can have the opposite effect and damage the teapot's breathability. 2Knocking and BumpingWhen using a purple clay teapot, handle it gently. Sometimes, a slight knock may not be immediately visible but could cause cracks during later use. Since purple clay teapots are fragile, if you have children or pets at home, make sure they are out of reach.3AdsorptionPurple clay teapots enhance the aroma of tea due to their porous structure. This porosity also makes them prone…

Most Jianshui purple clay artifacts, in essence, are the result of combining “form” with “shape.” Only by achieving as perfect a union of “form” and “shape” as possible can artisans create outstanding Jianshui purple clay works.The two homophonic Chinese characters have different meanings. “Form” refers to the shape of the artifact; it is fixed and static, and can be more broadly understood as tradition. When we speak of a certain form now, we refer to a shape that has been established over the course of history. Only when made in that particular way can it be called that specific form. “Shape,” on the other hand, is changeable and dynamic, with each artifact having a unique shape. Relatively speaking, Jianshui purple clay artifacts offer more expressive space in terms of “shape.” Artifacts of the same form can have one-of-a-kind “shapes” in their decoration, carrying distinct meanings. Negative engraving and positive filling, along with literati painting and calligraphy, make the “shape” of Jianshui purple clay artifacts infinitely variable. The Chinese ink and wash art displayed represents the emotional expression and individuality of the artist. The unique decorative technique of negative engraving and positive filling permanently embeds literati painting and calligraphy into the…

Many people don’t understand: a purple clay teapot—it’s just a teapot, right? Why do some sell for tens of thousands of yuan? They find this hard to comprehend. An ordinary teapot might cost a few hundred yuan, but an expensive one can go for tens of thousands—what’s the difference? Is it because of the clay? Is the clay for a teapot that costs tens of thousands of yuan particularly expensive? In fact, the amount of clay used in making a teapot isn’t much; it only makes up a small proportion of the teapot. The price doesn’t reflect the cost of the clay; rather, the price determines the quality of the clay used. There is certainly a difference in the clay between cheaper and more expensive teapots, but the reason they are expensive is not simply due to the cost of the clay. Is it because the maker is famous and has a high title? In people’s preconceived notions, before even seeing the teapot, if they hear it’s the work of a certain master, they assume the price will be shockingly high. As these preconceptions become entrenched, they equate fame and high titles directly with the price of the teapot. High…

The Purple Clay through the Eyes of the Dingshan People What is purple clay? Purple clay is a type of stoneware, a ceramic product that lies between pottery and porcelain. It is a cultural heritage passed down from our ancestors and a shining diamond in the five-thousand-year history of Chinese culture. To the people of Dingshan, purple clay is not only a means of livelihood but also a form of culture. In their daily lives, the presence of purple clay is always evident. Flower pots for gardening, stone stools in courtyards, building materials for walls, jars for storing rice, discarded teapot lids repurposed as pen holders by artisans, chipped teapots used to hold vinegar at small wonton stalls under the big wooden bridge—whether flawed, discolored, or marred with blemishes, any defective teapots that cannot be sold find practical uses in everyday life. The love the people of Dingshan have for purple clay runs deep within their bones; it is unchangeable. Their confidence in purple clay has been passed down from generation to generation, never shaken! A person, a handful of earth, a clay teapot, and a city.

Brewing tea is an art that requires method. Even the finest tea cannot fully express its true flavor if brewed improperly. Only by following the correct brewing methods can one truly savor the authentic taste and enjoy a delicious cup of tea. So, how should white tea be brewed to bring out its best? How to Brew White Tea for Optimal Flavor? Techniques for Brewing White Tea! 1. Brewing Silver Needle: When brewing Silver Needle white tea, there are two key points to consider: First, the tea buds are long and delicate, so the water temperature should not be too high, around 90 degrees Celsius is ideal; second, this premium white tea is covered in fine white down, so when pouring hot water, avoid direct contact with the tea buds. Instead, pour the water along the side of the cup (or pot). This approach has two benefits: it protects the appearance of the tea buds and prevents the tea from becoming cloudy due to the release of too much down, which could affect the clarity and beauty of the tea's color. Although the Silver Needle tea leaves are slender and delicate, they are also plump and fleshy, allowing for a…

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…

When it comes to Xi Shi, everyone is familiar. As one of the Four Great Beauties of ancient China, she was renowned for her graceful and beautiful appearance that could captivate a city. In the world of zisha (purple clay) teapots, there is also one known as “Xi Shi.” As the name suggests, this teapot should be as beautiful as Xi Shi herself, or perhaps its inspiration originates from Xi Shi. Xi Shi was a maiden who lived in the state of Yue during the Spring and Autumn period. She was naturally beautiful and enchanting, truly capable of captivating a city with just a smile and a country with another. A poem describes her thus: a small mouth like a cherry, a lock of hair like a rainbow; even without makeup, she was adored by heroes of old. The Xi Shi teapot is also an exquisite creation among zisha teapots, and today we will delve into the essence of both Xi Shi and the Xi Shi teapot. The King of Yue, Goujian, endured hardship and plotted to restore his kingdom. He presented Xi Shi to King Fuchai of Wu, intending for her to subvert the state of Wu. Everyone in…

  Seals and Markings on Purple Clay Teapots The markings (seal impressions) on purple clay teapots serve as important evidence for identifying their age and the maker's name. These are also the sole basis for valuation in the cultural relic, antiques, and auction industries. As a result, they are the easiest place for forgers to manipulate. Throughout history, skilled purple clay artisans and masters have been meticulous about using seals and marking their works. Their seal impressions not only demonstrate high artistic standards but also exhibit strict attention to detail in terms of seal layout and form, which is a critical factor in authenticating these marks. Generally, the marks of renowned artisans feature the following characteristics: Seal production is highly refined. The seals used by famous artisans are either made by themselves or commissioned from renowned seal engravers, showcasing a certain level of artistry. In contrast, counterfeit seals lack this quality, often appearing lifeless. The use of seals is appropriately stylized. Some artists may use two or more seals with different styles on a single teapot, carefully positioning them to achieve an overall harmonious appearance. The placement of inscriptions and seals is appropriate. The marks on purple clay teapots typically…

Among the many types of purple clay teapots, what shape do experienced tea connoisseurs prefer? Experienced tea drinkers have sampled a wide variety of teas and naturally understand the aroma-enhancing capabilities of purple clay teapots. They collect various types of teapots, and among them, round-shaped teapots are the most frequently chosen. What are the appealing features of round-shaped purple clay teapots? 1. Easy to Handle For a tea connoisseur who enjoys sipping tea, a purple clay teapot is an object that should never be far from their hands. Whenever they have free time, they like to start brewing tea. Why do most people lean towards round-shaped teapots? After brewing tea, round-shaped teapots are easy to hold and play with. When brewing tea, hot tea water can be poured over the teapot, allowing the color of the tea to seep into the teapot. After drinking the tea, you can hold the teapot in your hand and caress it all over, which is enjoyable. Over time, the luster and water color of the teapot will become outstanding. With a square teapot, one can only admire it on the table. Square teapots have sharp edges, making them uncomfortable to hold and caress, unlike…

Many tea enthusiasts, after purchasing tea, wish to store it properly to maintain its quality but are unsure about how to choose the right storage tools. Today, we will discuss what kind of container is suitable for storing tea. Through long-term repeated testing, we found that in a humid climate, a purple clay tea jar can protect Pu'er tea very well, without any impact from dampness. The Jianshui purple clay tea jars are not glazed and do not have intentional sealant at the lid opening. Therefore, the clayware has a slightly breathable nature! The clay used for Jianshui clay is very fine with a high mesh count, unlike purple sand which has a dual-pore breathable effect. It is precisely because of the high mesh count clay of Jianshui clay that the purple clay tea jar can keep Pu'er tea dry in a humid environment. However, due to its slightly breathable nature, Pu'er tea inside the clay jar can receive the most suitable conditions for transformation. If Pu'er tea is exposed to too much air, it will transform too quickly, leading to loss of aroma and accelerated fading of the tea. If stored in a completely sealed environment, the transformation of…

Some collectors do not understand the principles of nurturing a pot. They think that once they buy a pot, placing it in a clean spot is enough, so they often just put it in a display cabinet or box and consider their task done.Such a method of storing pots is the least desirable. A newly purchased pot should be carefully used for tea brewing to nurture it before storage. Clever use is actually the best way to maintain it, although rare purple clay artifacts are exceptions. Contemporary purple clay collector Tang Yun liked to use his "Man Sheng" pots for tea brewing in rotation like ordinary teapots during his lifetime.He once said: "I don't want to use antiques as decorations; I want to use them. If something can be used, I will use it." Some guests were at a loss when he served them tea brewed in such a precious pot.Mr. Tang laughed and said: "These are external possessions that should be used regularly; only by using them regularly can they become part of oneself, achieving a state where both object and self are forgotten. Most people do not know this." Preserving purple clay is indeed important, but maintenance is…

Wandering through the streets of Chengdu, you'll find a teahouse every few steps. People gather to leisurely drink tea from gaiwans, enjoy local snacks, and listen to Sichuan opera – it's a comfortable life... Tracing the Origin of the Gaiwan Sichuanese not only love drinking tea but also invented the convenient gaiwan. Since the Ming Dynasty, gaiwans have been in use for hundreds of years. Even today, whether it's beginners learning about tea or experienced tea enthusiasts brewing tea, gaiwans are commonly seen. Gaiwans are made of stable materials that do not easily absorb flavors. They are easy to use and suitable for brewing all types of tea while allowing the tea leaves to exhibit their original flavors. They are considered the fairest and most impartial tea brewing tools. Therefore, seasoned tea drinkers and enthusiasts often choose gaiwans when trying out teas. In their hands, gaiwans are used with ease. Even when the water temperature is high, they remain calm and composed, appearing graceful and smooth to outsiders. However, when one attempts to brew tea themselves, they realize that using a gaiwan can be quite hot on the hands. When the hand shakes severely, one might think: "This isn't elegant…

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,…

In recent years, the area of tea gardens has grown annually in response to the increasing demand in the tea market. However, the expansion of tea garden areas has brought about a series of issues including soil erosion, acidification, and reduced fertility, which are detrimental to tea yield and quality. This article, based on the current distribution of tea gardens in our country, summarizes the more common problems in the tea garden soil environment. It also analyzes the remediation effects and mechanisms of applying biochar, microbial fertilizers, and compound conditioners, aiming to provide a theoretical foundation for future soil improvement work in tea gardens and the promotion of soil conditioners. This article, based on the current distribution of tea gardens in our country, summarizes the more common problems in the tea garden soil environment. It also analyzes the remediation effects and mechanisms of applying biochar, microbial fertilizers, and compound conditioners, aiming to provide a theoretical foundation for future soil improvement work in tea gardens and the promotion of soil conditioners. I. The Area and Distribution Characteristics of Tea Gardens in Our Country As of 2022, the total area of tea gardens in our country has reached 3.3303 million hectares, ranking…

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…

It is now the hottest time of the year, and most regions in the south have entered a hot and humid state. At this time, tea enthusiasts who have tea in their possession will face a severe challenge of storing tea during the summer. As we all know, tea leaves are very susceptible to environmental influences, and the requirements for storing tea are extremely strict. Especially with Pu'er tea, if stored well, it can become more fragrant over time and have collection value; if not stored properly, the tea can spoil, losing its drinking value and causing significant economic losses for individuals or businesses. Understanding the principles of tea transformation before storing tea is crucial for scientific storage. Factors Affecting Tea Transformation or Spoilage In fact, the transformation of tea leaves is directly related to temperature, humidity, oxygen, and light. Generally, the higher the temperature, the greater the humidity, the more sufficient the oxygen, and the stronger the light, the faster the oxidation, hydrolysis, polymerization, and other chemical reactions of the substances within the tea leaves will occur, resulting in a quicker change in taste components. Temperatures that are too high or too low are not conducive to the transformation…

1. For a new pot, decide what kind of tea you will use it for. Will it be a tea with a strong aroma or one with a rich flavor? If you're particular about your tea, each type should have its own dedicated pot. However, if you're not too fussy, this isn't necessary. 2. When using a new pot, start by boiling it in a tea broth to remove the earthy taste and prepare it for nurturing. The method is to fill a clean pot with water and heat it gently until just before boiling. Then add the tea leaves and continue heating until the water boils. Remove the tea leaves and let the new teapot cool naturally in a dry place without any odors before using it. 3. After brewing tea with an old pot, remove the tea residue and rinse it with hot water to keep it clean and hygienic. 4. Pay attention to the "tea mountain" inside the pot. Some people leave the tea broth in the pot to accumulate over time, forming a "tea mountain." If not properly maintained, this can develop unpleasant odors. Therefore, it's important to rinse the pot with boiling water before brewing…

There are two types of teapot enthusiasts: those who love duanni, and those who do not. For those who dislike it, a moment's inattention can result in the pot looking grubby and even blackened in places. This instantly sours their appreciation, leaving them to rue their decision to purchase a duanni teapot.However, once a duanni teapot has been nurtured, its transformation is remarkable and exceptionally beautiful, evoking a deep sense of affection. This aesthetic pleasure and sense of achievement are likely only fully appreciated by those who adore duanni. As such, many teapot aficionados have a love-hate relationship with it.Duanni is essentially a coexisting deposit of green and purple clays. In the local dialect of Yixing, "duan" sounds like "tuan," hence why duanni is also called tuanni. Its light color means that improper care can lead to noticeable stains, which polarizes opinions—those who love it, love it deeply, while those who don't feel entirely indifferent.In "Seeing or Not Seeing" by Cangyang Jiacuo, he writes, "You see, or you do not see me; I am there, neither sad nor joyful." Similarly, duanni remains unchanged regardless of whether one likes it or not, unaffected by external preferences or personal emotions. The beauty…

Black tea is fully fermented, and during the fermentation process, polyphenols in the tea leaves oxidize continuously. Originally hidden within the leaves, nutrients move to the surface and dissolve easily in water. Therefore, brewing black tea is very skill-dependent. Key to brewing great black tea, aside from the amount of tea, water temperature, and steeping time, is having a good purple clay pot. So what kind of pot allows even a beginner tea enthusiast to brew delicious black tea? The rich aroma of black tea and the warmth of a purple clay pot have an inherent connection, blending together to create a cup of tea that lingers in the memory. When using a purple clay pot to brew black tea, it's important to understand these aspects to bring out the best flavor. Purple clay pots have strong adsorption properties and retain the tea's fragrance. Purple clay pots have a unique dual-pore structure, with both chain pores and closed pores coexisting. Chain pores allow the tea's aroma to pass through the pores, but because they are winding and tortuous, some residue remains on the pore walls. This is the primary reason why purple clay pots retain the tea's fragrance. Black tea…

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…

Drinking tea for health has become the choice of many office workers. The purple clay teapot is a commonly used tea utensil, but what kinds of tea are suitable for brewing in it? Does it have anything to do with the shape and size of the teapot? In fact, when using a purple clay teapot for brewing tea, apart from considering the type of clay used, you can also make choices based on the capacity and characteristics of the teapot's shape. So, what kinds of tea are suitable for brewing in a purple clay teapot? What rules should be followed? Black Tea: West Beauty Teapot, Rongtian Teapot The common feature of the West Beauty Teapot and the Rongtian Teapot is their large belly, deep body, and plump, round shape, which can fully bring out the aroma of black tea without damaging the leaves. As the color of black tea infusion is relatively dark, it is suitable to use darker colored clays such as Tianxing clay, blue-gray clay, or Dicaoqing clay for making the purple clay teapot. Oolong Tea: Duozhi Teapot, Dragon Egg Teapot Most oolong teas expand significantly after brewing, so teapots with slightly larger mouths, like the Duozhi Teapot,…

Purple clay teapot has the "Five Treasures," and you will like it more and more! What are the "Five Treasures" of purple clay? In the practice of brewing tea, people have summarized the superiority of the purple clay teapot, which can be summed up in five major advantages: 1. Preservation of color, aroma, and flavor The high iron content in purple clay, after being fired at around 1200°C, causes the molecules to rearrange into a scale-like structure, forming numerous open and closed dual pores. This unique highly dense porous physical structure has strong adsorptive power. Due to the dual porosity, the teapot is breathable but not permeable, so when brewing tea, the color does not change, the aroma does not dissipate, and the flavor is not delayed. 2. Quick recovery of vitality Although tea brewed in a purple clay teapot can remain fresh overnight without turning sour or developing an odd smell even if left for a long time, if the teapot is not used for a while and stored improperly, it may develop an off-flavor. Simply rinse the teapot several times with alternating hot and cold water, and the teapot's vitality can be restored, allowing the true taste of…