The process of nurturing a Teapot starts from the very first use. To achieve a lustrous and smooth effect, besides having a good quality teapot, the correct care and maintenance methods are also crucial.
Remember the following three points in your daily Tea brewing routine:
1. Before Brewing Tea
Preheat the teapot inside and out with warm water to remove any musty odor and bacteria (be mindful of temperature differences, use lukewarm water rather than boiling).
2. During Brewing
During each brewing interval, wipe the teapot clean with a damp cloth (one that is absorbent) and then polish it with a dry cloth (soft). Consistency will bring out the teapot's warmth and luster.
3. After Brewing
After using the Yixing teapot for brewing tea, clear out the leaves and tea water, then rinse the teapot inside and out with hot water. Do not use chemical cleaning agents; they can alter the aroma retained by the teapot and affect its sheen.
In addition to the daily routine, follow these principles when nurturing your teapot:
01
To develop an outer patina on a Yixing teapot, frequently brew tea and rinse the exterior. After each brewing session, make sure to wipe the outside clean. Otherwise, the color may become uneven, especially at the bottom where the color might be noticeably darker.
02
Moderate wiping and brushing. After using the teapot, wash and air-dry it to maintain its natural breathability. Use soft cloths such as fine cotton during cleaning to avoid scratches.
03
Maintain cleanliness to develop a patina. Over time, tea stains will accumulate on the surface. Gently brush them off with a teapot brush to keep the teapot clean. Regular polishing and washing will create a layer of patina.
04
In winter, you can rub the Yixing teapot between your hands. After prolonged rubbing, a patina will form on the surface. Rubbing the teapot in winter serves both as a way to nurture it and to warm your hands. Remember to clean your hands before doing so.
05
Allow the teapot to rest. A teapot needs downtime too. Continuous brewing without breaks will keep it moist, which can lead to bacterial growth. After using it for a period, clean and dry it thoroughly before letting it rest for a few days.
06
Be extra careful with decorative Teapots. When nurturing decorative Yixing teapots, be cautious not to damage any protruding or floating decorations during cleaning. These areas are prone to retaining tea stains and can easily be scratched during wiping.
07
Dedication to one type of tea is key. Don't neglect the practical value of Yixing teapots. No matter their price, they require meticulous care to develop a beautiful appearance. Stick to one type of tea and don't switch between different types, such as from Oolong to black tea.
08
Attention to detail wins. Pay close attention to often neglected parts. A clean teapot is beneficial for health and pleasing to the eye.
1) Inside the teapot: Use a clean, soft cloth to wipe around the interior, including the bottom, rim, and spout.
2) Exterior of the teapot: Focus on the bottom, lid, and spout.
3) Special note: Wipe along the rim of the lid carefully. This is a detail where tea stains tend to appear most often.
09
Safety first. After tea sessions, place your cherished teapot upside down in a safe spot to prevent knocks and bumps. Yixing teapots are valuable, and any damage will significantly reduce their worth. Beyond financial loss, seeing a damaged teapot, even after repair, can still be disappointing.
10
Persistence is key. Nurturing a Yixing teapot is not something that happens overnight. Rushing the process is counterproductive. The Beauty of a well-nurtured teapot is a byproduct of enjoying tea and cultivating oneself through tea. Enjoy the process of drinking tea and nurturing your teapot naturally.
Nurturing a Yixing teapot to a lustrous finish is a gradual process, not an instant achievement. Protecting a Yixing teapot doesn't require complicated steps; just being attentive during daily use is enough to care for it properly. With the right approach, you can cultivate a unique character and charm in your teapot.
If there are any copyright issues, please contact us for removal.