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 refined.
“A teapot made of sandstone is considered best, as it neither suppresses the aroma nor imparts a boiled water taste.”
The standout among earthenware tea ware is undoubtedly the purple clay (or zisha). Purple clay tea ware first appeared during the Song Dynasty and reached its peak in popularity during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Even today, it remains a favorite among tea enthusiasts. The material used for purple clay tea ware is mostly purple clay, occasionally red or white clay. Because of its natural earthen color which is plain yet elegant, using purple clay tea ware naturally provides visual enjoyment for tea drinkers.
2. Porcelain Tea Ware
Porcelain tea ware can be divided into five types: Celadon tea ware, white porcelain tea ware, black porcelain tea ware, enameled porcelain tea ware, and painted porcelain tea ware.
(1) Celadon Tea Ware
Celadon tea ware began to develop gradually from the Jin Dynasty onwards. At that time, Zhejiang was a famous producer of celadon. There, all kinds of celadon ceramics including teapots, tea bowls, tea cups, tea saucers, and tea trays were produced. After the Ming Dynasty, celadon tea ware gained some fame both domestically and abroad, and the famous Longquan celadon was even exported to France as a rare treasure.
(2) White Porcelain Tea Ware
White porcelain tea ware is characterized by its pure white color and elegant appearance. Moreover, its shapes are designed to be very delicate. Mountains and rivers, flowers and birds, fish and insects, and scenes from the four seasons are often painted on the exterior of the tea ware, or calligraphy by famous people may be printed on them, making them highly appreciable. Nowadays, white porcelain tea ware is often used to entertain guests, providing visual enjoyment for them while also showcasing the refined taste of the host.
(3) Black Porcelain Tea Ware
Black porcelain tea ware became popular starting from the late Tang Dynasty. The custom of tea fighting during the Song Dynasty created conditions for the rise of black porcelain tea ware, which reached its peak during this period and has been in vogue ever since. When used as a vessel for tea, black porcelain tea ware is not only rustic and elegant with a unique style, but the material itself is heavier than other types of tea ware. Thus, it has good heat retention properties, truly achieving both beauty and practicality.
Tea ware made of black porcelain was mass-produced in kilns such as Jian Kiln in Fujian, Jizhou Kiln in Jiangxi, Yuci Kiln in Shanxi, and Wuzhou Kiln, becoming the main production centers for black porcelain tea ware. Among these kilns, the “Jian Zhan” produced by Jian Kiln is the most highly praised.
(4) Enamel Tea Ware
The technique of enameling in China probably emerged around the Yuan Dynasty, so enamel tea ware appeared later compared to other types of porcelain tea ware. In addition to the characteristics of imitation porcelain being white and glossy, colored enamel tea ware is also loved by tea enthusiasts. They not only share the same functions as other types of tea ware but also possess appreciable value.
(5) Painted Porcelain Tea Ware
Painted porcelain tea ware is purchased and used by many due to the great variety of patterns and colors. Among them, blue-and-white porcelain is the most well-known. Its color is elegant and long-lasting, magnificent without being gaudy. The paint is glazed over, making it appear lustrous and bright, adding to the beauty and charm of the tea ware. Due to the high level of painting craftsmanship, especially the application of traditional Chinese painting techniques on porcelain, blue-and-white porcelain tea ware has remained popular from ancient times until now, enduring without losing its appeal.
3. Metal Tea Ware
Metal tea ware is one of the oldest daily utensils in China, made from materials such as gold, silver, copper, iron, and tin. People generally believe that boiling water and brewing tea in metal tea ware can alter the taste of the tea, which is why few use it. However, metal containers like tin bottles and cans for storing tea are quite common. Although opinions about metal tea ware vary, if used properly, they can be the best containers for storing tea.
In recent years, Handmade silver kettles have become increasingly sought after. Silver has always been reserved for the nobility in ancient times. For silver utensils, due to their limited production and status as hard currency, they symbolized social status and wealth, something ordinary families could not afford. Additionally, the traditional skills of making Chinese handcrafted silver kettles have a long history, spanning over a thousand years. Whether in terms of craftsmanship or artistic form, they have a unique style of the Chinese nation. Therefore, any surviving silver utensils and the skills of carving handmade silver kettles hold significant value in today's context.
The production of stone tea trays is based on the natural characteristics of stones. They are designed and intricately carved. Since stones have the properties of high hardness, strong density, natural color, and do not deform, crack, or fade when exposed to cold or heat, nor do they absorb tea color after polishing, stone tea trays made by carving stones are both beautiful and practical. They embody the spirit of stones and harmonize with water and soil, balancing the five elements, allowing tea to return to nature. Drinking tea with stone tea ware provides a visually pleasing and spiritually nurturing experience.
4. Glass Tea Ware
Due to the transparency and brilliance of glass, using glass utensils for brewing and tasting tea allows one to clearly see the inherent form and vivid colors of the tea leaves. For tea tasters, this undoubtedly provides the most beautiful visual enjoyment. Brewing a pot of emerald green Longjing tea, watching the mist in the cup, the clear and bright green color, the upright sprouts, is pleasing to the eye and must bring a unique pleasure. The downside of glass utensils is that they break easily and are hotter to the touch than Ceramic ones.
5. Bamboo & Wood Tea Ware
Bamboo and wood tea ware are widely available, easy to produce, do not contaminate the tea, and are harmless to the human body. Therefore, from ancient times to the present, they have always been welcomed by tea lovers. Moreover, the green color of bamboo and wood complements the tea, creating a harmonious and beautiful appearance, bringing a tranquil feeling like being