Chaozhou Gongfu tea, the word “gongfu” being key, not only emphasizes the technique of brewing but also pays great attention to the craftsmanship of teaware. For the people of Chaozhou, Drinking Tea means using the four treasures of Gongfu tea: Zhuni Teapot, Ruoshen cup, Hongni stove, and Shaqiao kettle, among which the Zhuni teapot is the jewel in the crown.
Roundness is Not Uniform
The Artistic Charm That Hits Just Right
Chaozhou Zhuni Teapots, commonly known as “chongguan,” are made from Zhuni clay, which is soft and free of sand, making it highly malleable. The craft involves “hand-pulled forming,” an ancient method using a potter's wheel. This process requires nearly 60 steps, including pulling, trimming, scraping, water application, glazing, and firing, all of which are intricate and meticulous.
The shaping of Zhuni teapots relies on the ingenious rotation of the potter's wheel. In the course of inheriting teapot culture, potters infuse their creative ideas, unique designs, and exquisite skills into the teapots, endowing them with more cultural characteristics in terms of shape and decoration. They break free from the limitations of geometric roundness, displaying rich variations in curved forms that resemble fruits, bamboo sections, and wheels, creating a world of “roundness is not uniform” in teapot artistry.
Due to the special hand-pulled technique, while each Zhuni teapot has a unique shape, they all share a unified, rounded, and full-bodied form, meeting the requirements of “roundness,” “stability,” “uniformity,” and “correctness.” The body, spout, and handle of the teapot are harmoniously integrated, exuding a beauty that is simple yet not simplistic, elegant yet not stiff, and agile yet not frivolous, perfectly showcasing the artistic charm of Zhuni teapots.
Zhuni teapots, despite their small size, contain a vast universe. They have a smooth and round exterior with good water absorption and permeability. Small and thin-walled, they are hard and rich in oxidized iron, heating up quickly and tolerating high temperatures, enhancing the aroma of tea. The tea brewed in these teapots is fresh, clear, and smooth in throat feel.
Harmony and Connectivity
The Transmission of Culture Through Generations
Beyond the diverse and exquisite appearance of “roundness is not uniform,” there is a more abstract philosophical meaning to the roundness of handmade Zhuni teapots.
The “Shuowen Jiezi” mentions that “round” signifies completeness. In China, “round” represents the journey from the end back to the beginning, like pearls and jade, harmonious and connected. It is a significant spiritual archetype in Chinese culture and a crucial manifestation of the unique aesthetic concept of appreciating roundness in Chinese culture.
In ancient China, the culture of roundness was essentially the traditional circular mode of thinking. This mode of thinking originated from the affinity for “roundness,” centered around the Confucian and Taoist views of the circle and the yin-yang and five elements theory of time and space, reflecting the inseparable connection between nature's law-abiding movement and the subject's aesthetic appreciation.
Chaozhou Zhuni teapots are closely tied to the Chaozhou Gongfu tea ceremony. The passion of Chaoshan people for teapots embodies their pursuit of the concept of “roundness.” Each day, they immerse themselves not only in the sweet taste of Gongfu tea but also in the invisible inheritance of the profound cultural heritage of “harmony,” “respect,” “refinement,” and “joy.”
Chinese philosophy values external roundness and internal squareness, advocating for inner integrity and outward gentleness to foster better relationships. The “elegant and fine” vessel that is the Zhuni teapot is not only aesthetically pleasing but also creates a “harmonious” atmosphere when entertaining guests. In the enjoyment of tea, people experience harmony and rapport, embodying the aesthetic pursuit and life philosophy of “roundness” that has been a guiding principle for the people of Chaozhou and a crystallization of their wisdom in dealing with others.
The unique Gongfu Tea culture has spurred the evolution and innovation of Gongfu teaware. As the top treasure among the four jewels of Gongfu teaware, the Zhuni teapot is more than just a brewing tool; it is an artwork that integrates traditional Chinese philosophy, aesthetic concepts, and lifestyle.
The pursuit of “roundness” in the design of Zhuni teapots embodies the essence of Chinese culture. It combines exquisite traditional craftsmanship, practicality, and deep cultural connotations, making every brewing session a moment for the people of Chaozhou to savor life and indulge in a feast of the spirit.
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