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 to their strong malleability, corrosion resistance, and beautiful color and luster, silver and gold tea ware were crafted with extreme precision and held high value, often used by royalty and the wealthy, or as sacrificial items.
In ancient times, nobles liked to show off their status by using silver and gold tea ware. The tea book “Sixteen Kinds of Soup” from the Tang Dynasty mentions “Rich Soup,” stating that “silver and gold utensils are only available to the rich.” Many such silver and gold tea utensils have been unearthed through archaeological excavations.
Gold tea ware is considered excessively luxurious; in the past, only royalty could afford it. Today, pure gold tea ware is extremely rare, and pure gold Teapots and kettles are seldom seen.
Silver tea ware is still in use today. According to Lu Yu in “The Classic of Tea,” “the cauldron: made of raw iron, but if made of silver, it is very clean, albeit extravagant. It may be elegant and clean, but if used frequently, it will eventually revert to silver.” This suggests that silver tea ware has the characteristic of being “very clean,” but because it is “extravagant,” it is not recommended for use. Boiling water in a silver kettle can soften and purify the water, which the ancients referred to as “silk water,” indicating the soft and smooth texture of the water, suitable for brewing highly fragrant teas like Minnan Oolong and Taiwanese Oolong.
Copper tea ware is best when made of white copper, typically in the form of kettles. A copper kettle with a golden animal ornament was once unearthed at the Xuyi Kiln in Han dynasty. During the Qing Dynasty, copper-enameled tea ware appeared, made through a series of processes including filigree, painting, firing, polishing, and gilding. However, they were rarely used as everyday tea ware. Nowadays, copper kettles are used to boil water, imparting a sweet flavor, suitable for brewing full-bodied teas with deep fragrance (like black tea).
Tin tea ware is made from high-purity refined tin through multiple processes. Tin is tough yet flexible, and has good sealing properties, making it suitable for tea storage jars. Most tin tea ware is produced in areas like Yunnan, Jiangxi, and Jiangsu in China. Modern tin tea storage jars are quite popular, whereas tin teapots are seldom used due to imparting an off-flavor to the tea.
Iron tea ware can be divided into cast iron and wrought iron. In ancient times, most iron tea ware served as tools, such as cauldrons, tongs, grinders, stoves, hammers, and fire pokers. Today, iron tea ware is rarely seen except for some tools. Iron kettles can enrich the water quality, suitable for brewing robust teas like dark tea or heavily oxidized and roasted teas (like Wuyi rock tea).
Nowadays, many people use stainless steel tea ware, which resists corrosion from atmospheric acids, alkalis, and salts. Stainless steel tea ware has a bright appearance, conducts heat quickly, and is airtight, often used for travel items like covered tea cups, military flasks, and double-insulated cups.
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