Teaware

While it’s great to brew tea with a purple clay teapot, it can accumulate tea stains over time. During the process of nurturing the pot, frequent brewing inevitably leaves tea stains inside the pot. Many enthusiasts believe that tea stains are the essence accumulated over time, and with this layer of tea stains, even if you pour boiled water into the purple clay teapot, the water will still carry a faint aroma of tea when poured out. However, not washing the tea stains makes it easy for bacteria to grow, which is unhealthy. So, how do you clean the pot without removing the patina? Small Methods for Cleaning the Pot Many enthusiasts are reluctant to thoroughly clean their pots due to the developed patina, fearing it might be washed away. Below, we’ll teach you how to clean the tea stains inside a purple clay teapot without damaging the patina. Step 1 Take one spoonful of edible baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and put it into the pot, then pour in boiling water (100°C) (remember to warm the pot first), fill the pot completely and cover it with the lid. Step 2 Wait for about two or three minutes, then gently scrub…

 Tea ware, also known as tea utensils or tea apparatus in ancient times. The Tang Dynasty litterateur Pi Rixiu wrote in his poem “Cpu Family Forest Pavilion” about "the sparse osmanthus shadows moving over the tea ware." During the Song Dynasty, emperors gave "tea ware" as gifts. The Northern Song painter Wen Tong wrote in a poem, "Only with tea ware to appreciate the utmost seclusion." In the Yuan Dynasty, the painter Wang Mian wrote in the "Flute Playing Out of the Gorge" poem, "Wine pot and tea ware on top of the boat." Xu Ze, one of the four great painters known as the "Four Talents of Wu" during the early Ming Dynasty, wrote when inviting friends for evening tea and drinking, "Tea ware is still set up late at night; song pots are not knocked upon when sober." It is not difficult to see that whether poets from the Tang and Song dynasties or painters from the Yuan and Ming dynasties, their writings often contain verses about "tea ware," indicating that it is an integral part of tea culture. Within its narrow definition, tea ware refers to tea cups, teapots, tea bowls, tea cups, tea saucers, and tea…

Compared to the traditional and standardized British ceramic tea sets, Chinese tea sets are more diverse in style and have a longer history. Today, let me introduce you to Chinese tea sets. GaiwanIn simple terms, a gaiwan is a teapot without a spout. It is said that the gaiwan originated in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The gaiwan consists of three parts: a saucer, a bowl, and a lid. The lid represents heaven, the saucer represents earth, and the bowl represents man, symbolizing harmony between heaven, earth, and man. Gaiwans are typically made of porcelain because it can absorb heat and make them easy to handle. Gaiwans are usually small, with capacities ranging from 100-180ml.The advantage of a gaiwan is that even without a spout, the lid can be used to hold back the tea leaves. After brewing, the lid is slightly opened, allowing the tea liquor to be poured out while the leaves remain in the bowl. Typically, after brewing in a gaiwan, the tea is transferred to another pot to balance the concentration of the liquor. Purple Clay TeapotA Yixing purple clay teapot is made from the special purple clay found in Yixing, Jiangsu Province. Its history dates back…

Wuyi Rock Tea is unique with its rock aroma, attributed to the "Ultimate Mountains and Rivers." In the tea world, it's often said that "water is the father of tea, and utensils are the mother of tea," highlighting the significant impact of tea utensils on the infusion and drinking experience beyond the tea itself. The correct brewing technique and suitable utensils are crucial in bringing out the "rock aroma." The development of local standards like the "Wuyi Rock Tea Brewing and Tasting Method" and group standards such as the "Wuyi Rock Tea Brewing and Tasting Utensils" further emphasize the importance of harmonizing "tea" with "utensils." Let's explore this together today. Brewing Utensil Selection 01 Selecting appropriate utensils based on the characteristics of rock tea primarily involves choosing a water heater, brewing tools, and tasting cups. 1. Choosing a Water Heater Brewing not only requires good water quality but also the right water heating equipment. Water heaters can be categorized by material into iron, copper, silver, stainless steel, glass, and clay pots, and by heating method into electric, alcohol lamp, and charcoal-based ones. Electric Water Heater From a material perspective, enthusiasts can choose clay, purple clay, or iron pots. Clay and…

The late renowned painter Mr. Tang Yun, not only excelled in painting but was also a famous expert in cultural relics appraisal at home and abroad. Before his passing, he was a member of the National Cultural Relics Appraisal Committee. He had a particular fondness for Yixing purple clay teapots and owned more than ten of the famous "Mansheng Teapots," with both the quantity and quality of his collection unparalleled in the world. The actual number of surviving "Mansheng Teapots" may not be very scarce, for two reasons: firstly, they were made during the relatively recent Qing Dynasty period of Qianlong and Jiaqing; secondly, the original production quantity was large, numbering in the thousands. However, those we can see today are extremely rare. I recently went through auction catalogs from major Beijing auction houses over the past few years and did not find a single "Mansheng Teapot," which is quite puzzling. Perhaps it's because collectors cherish them as treasures and are unwilling to part with them. The so-called "Mansheng Teapot" originated with Chen Hongshou (1768-1822), known by his pen name Mansheng, a famous scholar from Qiantang, Zhejiang, who lived during the Qianlong and Jiaqing periods of the Qing Dynasty. Alongside…

01. Tea Mountain: Purple clay teapots have good breathability. The tea stains that adhere to the pot over long-term use are usually referred to as a tea mountain. 02. Aging: Also known as "nourishing the soil," this is the final processing step for purple clay. Well-mixed and refined clay is placed in ceramic vats and stored in a damp, shady place to ferment and age. 03. Aging Period: This refers to the time from when the well-mixed and refined clay is placed in a damp, shady spot to start aging. Like fine wine aged in underground cellars, the longer the aging period, the smoother and more elegant the resulting teapot will be. The minimum aging period should be at least three months. 04. Patina: After years of use, a natural and unique luster forms on the surface of the teapot. This luster is restrained and deep. 05. Sun Lines: In the bottom center of a purple clay teapot, there are radiating lines like sunbeams in the clay, which are called "sun lines." 06. Original Purple Clay Mine: Many purple clay artisans exaggerate by claiming they use "original purple clay mine" for their works. In fact, purple clay is broken down…

A common question I often receive from teapot enthusiasts is: can the speed at which a teapot dries after being watered determine the quality of the clay used? In fact, there is no direct correlation between how quickly a teapot dries and the quality of its clay. Nor should the speed at which water dries be used to distinguish whether a teapot is made of genuine purple clay. Below are several examples to illustrate this: The speed at which the water dries is directly related to the following factors:1. The surface finish (mingzhen) of the teapot: If the surface finish is well-executed, the water will dry faster; otherwise, it will take longer.2. The fineness of the clay (mesh size): A higher mesh size (finer sand particles) means that the body of the teapot is more compact, so the water will naturally dry faster. Conversely, it will take longer. 3. The shape of the teapot: Certain shapes, like the Beauty of West Lake, Dragon Egg, or Siting teapots, do not tend to retain water on their surfaces due to their smooth contours, so they dry quickly. On the other hand, shapes like the Antique, Flat Lotus Cover, or Hollowed Flat teapots…

Tea art is all about elegance and beauty, from large-scale elements like tea mat arrangements and tea room decor to finer details like the gestures used while brewing tea. In our daily lives, when we brew tea using a purple clay teapot, we tend to do so in whatever way feels most comfortable. However, if we can make the act of brewing tea more artistic, it adds an extra touch of joy to life. The correct way to hold your teapot not only protects your precious purple clay teapot but also prevents the lid from falling off when pouring tea. It also adds a sense of elegance and grace, ensuring that when you serve a cup of tea to guests, they feel respected. Depending on the type of handle, there are roughly several ways to hold your teapot: Ear Handle Teapot The ear handle is the most common type of handle, resembling a small ear attached to the side of the teapot. How to Hold: Circle the handle with your index and middle fingers while pressing the lid knob with your thumb. Alternatively, grip the handle firmly between your thumb and middle finger, pressing the lid knob with your index…

 1. The flavor and color of tea brewed in a purple clay cup is rich and fragrant, and it never tastes like boiled water. This is unmatched by any other type of teaware, and the tea will remain fresh for several days even in hot summer. Purple clay cups do not overpower the aroma of the tea nor impart a cooked taste. Therefore, when used to brew tea, they preserve its natural color, aroma, and flavor. 2. Porous purple clay cups can absorb tea residue, and over time, they accumulate "tea rust." As a result, even when empty, pouring boiling water into the cup releases a tea fragrance. 3. They are easy to clean. If left unused for a while and an odor develops, simply rinse the cup with boiling water two or three times, then pour out the cold water before using it to brew tea, which will retain its original flavor. 4. They have excellent thermal shock resistance. Even in the depths of winter, pouring boiling water into the cup does not cause it to crack due to sudden temperature changes. Additionally, the porous material conducts heat slowly, so the cup remains comfortable to hold. 5. They are…

Zhu Ni teapots are suitable for brewing Taiwanese high mountain tea, Fujian Tie Guan Yin, and other lightly fermented, aroma-rich green teas. They enhance the aroma, produce a tight and smooth tea soup, and offer a strong aftertaste with a long-lasting finish! Dicao Qing teapots have broad applicability and are suitable for Pu'er, green tea, black tea, floral tea, and more. They are mild and elegant, allowing the tea's natural fragrance to shine. Over time, the pot color changes from brown to liver-like hues. Qing Shi Ni teapots are suitable for similar types of tea as Dicao Qing. They have a strong affinity for various teas.

The world of a teapot is vast, and the life of tea is long! Whether you're new to the world of purple clay teapots or an experienced aficionado, there are always questions that need answers! Here we have collected some frequently asked questions from enthusiasts and provided detailed answers. 1. Why does my new purple clay teapot have an unusual smell? Answer: The reason why tea brewed in a purple clay teapot tastes particularly good is due to its unique double-pore structure, which can absorb the aroma of tea. Naturally, it can also absorb other odors. A newly made purple clay teapot may have some earthy smell or a slight burnt odor, which are normal kiln-related scents. 2. Is purple clay exclusive to Yixing? Answer: Purple clay is a unique mineral found in Yixing. In May 2006, Yixing purple clay was included in the first batch of China's Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection List. To date, no one has discovered anywhere else in the world with the same type of ore as Yixing's purple clay. Clay from other mountains often contains a lot of sand and impurities. Purple clay from other regions can be considered purple clay pottery, but the finished…

Generally, many people use steel wool (cleaning balls) or loofahs and other relatively coarse cleaning tools to scrub their tea ware, which can achieve the cleaning effect. However, consider that using these relatively rough tools to clean your tea ware can easily damage the glaze on the surface of the tea ware, making it thinner and thinner. Gradually, the tea stains will completely penetrate into the tea ware. In this case, the tea ware will turn the color of the tea broth and cannot be cleaned. The best cleaning method is to remember to dispose of the tea leaves and rinse the tea ware with water after each tea session. If you can maintain this good habit long-term, no cleaning tool would be needed, and your tea ware will remain bright and glossy. However, many friends go to rest or do other things after drinking tea and forget to clean the tea ware. They only clean it when they prepare for the next tea session. After being soaked for a long time, many tea wares become stained with tea color, which cannot be washed off with plain water. In such cases, you can apply a small amount of toothpaste onto…

While it's great to steep tea in a purple clay teapot, it can accumulate tea stains. During the process of nurturing the pot, frequent steeping inevitably leaves tea stains inside. There is a story about a wealthy man who saw an old teapot passed down through generations in a farmer's home and offered a tempting high price for it, agreeing to come back the next day to collect it. The simple farmer, seeing that the purple clay teapot was rather dirty, scrubbed it clean. However, when the wealthy man saw the freshly cleaned teapot the next day, he no longer wanted it because what he was buying was precisely the tea stains accumulated over many years. Many teapot enthusiasts share the same idea as the farmer in the story, believing that tea stains are the essence accumulated over time. With this layer of tea stains, even pouring boiling water into the purple clay teapot would result in a faint tea aroma. However, the truth is that leaving tea stains uncleaned can easily lead to bacterial growth, which is not good for health. So, how can you clean the teapot without removing the patina? Teapot Cleaning Method Many teapot enthusiasts are…

The red clay teapot is known for its lustrous and graceful appearance, particularly in smaller sizes. It is regarded as an elegant lady from a distinguished family by collectors and is highly favored by enthusiasts. Red Clay Companion Chrysanthemum TeapotThere are many different types of teapots on the market today, all claiming to be made of red clay. Some have very bright colors while others are more subdued, making it difficult to distinguish between genuine and fake ones.What does a genuine "red clay" purple clay teapot look like?What is Red Clay?In Yixing's clay deposits, there is a type of ore called "tender clay," which is found in mountainous areas around Dingshu Town. The red clay ore is located at the lowest layer of this tender clay deposit. Raw Ochre Clay from Zhaozhuang and Firing Test PiecesLater, based on differences in the original layers and degree of weathering, the red clay was classified into ochre clay, small red clay, and large red robe clay, among others. Ochre clay is considered the finest of the red clays and has a higher iron content than other purple clay materials.False Red Clay Teapots1. The teapot shown below is a vivid red and has a…

Tea ware is a part of daily life, combining practical functionality with artistic creativity. Among its features, patterns are one of the most prominent aspects, reflecting both the wisdom of artists and the aesthetic tastes of the Chinese people. Ten specific patterns frequently appear on tea ware. Infant Play Scene The infant play scene depicts playful moments with children as the main subjects, often showing their recreational activities. This makes the tea ware lively and full of charm. Fisherfolk Joy Scene The Fisherfolk Joy Scene was widely depicted on Kangxi porcelain, representing the industrious labor and bountiful harvest of fisherfolk. When painted on tea ware, it carries the auspicious meaning of wishing for good weather and prosperity. Ladies Scene In China, ladies scenes are quite common. Under the skillful brushwork of artists, graceful and elegant women are vividly portrayed on tea ware. Enjoying the beauty of these figures while sipping tea is a reflection of the refined tastes of ancient times. Crane Pattern The use of crane patterns on tea ware dates back to the Tang Dynasty. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, graceful and elegant red-crowned cranes were commonly depicted. The crane pattern is favored by literati for its…

As the birthplace of tea culture, in recent years, the revival of tea culture in China has extended to the world of collecting, leading to an increasing public recognition of Yixing clay teapots and tea leaves. Particularly, Yixing teapots have shown a strong upward trend at auctions. Worthy of note is that in this wave of collecting enthusiasm, vintage Japanese iron kettles have become sought-after items among some collectors. The Japanese tea ceremony originates from China, and in the past two years, Japanese iron kettles have become new favorites among Chinese collectors, especially those that are over a century old, which have become increasingly rare. Auction records show that in 2009, China Guardian offered several Japanese iron kettles at its "Guardian Seasons 20th Auction" in the "Celestial Celebrations - Timeless Classics: Aged Pu'er and Tea Utensils" session. One of these was a Japanese "Shunkodo-made Treasure Ship Birthday Wishing Iron Kettle," standing 23.5 cm tall, weighing 1,705 g, and with a capacity of 1.5 L. The kettle's design conveys the message of "Inheriting the Eight Treasures, Longevity and Birthday Wishes," showcasing the high level of casting craftsmanship of the Shunkodo period. This kettle is considered one of the classic works of…

There are many teapot enthusiasts, but not all of them know how to protect their purple clay teapots. The maintenance of a purple clay teapot is particularly important, as it serves not only as a collectible but also has practical uses. Therefore, it's crucial to take good care of your purple clay teapot. 1. Fear of Dropping Purple clay teapots are especially afraid of being dropped. For ceramic products, once broken, they cannot be restored to their original state— even if repaired using techniques like copper riveting or kintsugi, the result will only be a kind of imperfect beauty. So how can you prevent dropping? When pouring tea, place another finger on the lid knob or lid, and avoid large movements. Keep the teapot in hand during the process of pouring tea, as many lids fall off during this time. Avoid imitating the tricks that teapot sellers perform, such as lids that don't fall off or lids standing upside down over the spout. These are deceptive gimmicks that could accidentally ruin your cherished teapot, resulting in a loss that outweighs any gain. Place the teapot in high places or inside cabinets where children can't reach it, and do not let…

Recently, a friend was sorting through a purple clay teapot he bought years ago and got quite a shock – the bottom of one teapot had developed a crack. It was in perfect condition when last used, but after being stored for several years, it had cracked. He couldn’t figure out why. It’s truly heartbreaking when a purple clay teapot cracks, especially if it’s an expensive one. Once a crack appears, its value drops significantly. So, why do teapots crack? Here are some possible reasons: 1. Improper Use In addition to issues with craftsmanship, improper handling by the user can also cause cracks. Common causes include damage from bumps or knocks (sometimes these hidden injuries go unnoticed) that later lead to the teapot cracking during use. Leaving a purple clay teapot exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods can also result in cracks. Teapots can also crack due to sudden temperature changes or uneven heating and cooling. For example, in cold environments, some teapot enthusiasts don’t have the habit of warming their teapots before use. If they pour boiling water directly into a cold teapot, it may crack. Particularly important is the case where a teapot has been unused for…

Yixing Zi Sha is an art form with a long history and rich appeal. The decorative arts have been developed through the research and creation of Zi Sha artisans over time. Different decorative arts have different effects when applied to different themes. This method of aligning decoration with the subject, the teapot, and the intention adds a cultural dimension to the Zi Sha teapot. The development of Zi Sha art has led to various decorative techniques, which are detailed as follows: Engraving: This is one of the main decorative techniques of Zi Sha. It uses a knife instead of a brush and engraving instead of painting, integrating poetry, calligraphy, painting, and engraving into a harmonious whole, with a strong national style and regional characteristics. Known as "Man Sheng Hu", "characters are passed down along with the teapot, and the teapot becomes valuable because of the characters," it made a historical contribution to the art of Zi Sha engraving. After the Qing Dynasty, Zi Sha engraving decoration became a specialized production process. The subjects and forms are extremely varied. Landscapes, flowers and birds, figures, and ancient patterns are all potential subjects for painting, while calligraphy is an indispensable decorative element. Regular…

Often, newcomers will ask, "Is this Duan clay teapot a purple clay teapot?"This may be because they have just started to learn about purple clay teapots and do not understand the meaning of purple clay materials, assuming that Duan clay is not a type of purple clay. Purple clay materials are broadly divided into three categories: Purple Clay, Duan Clay, and Red Clay. The Purple Clay category can be further subdivided into: Bottom Groove Clear, Middle Groove Clear, Pure Purple Clay, Old Purple Clay, etc. Under the Duan Clay category, we can find: Original Mountain Duan, Original Mountain Green Clay, Golden Duan, Old Duan, Blue Duan, etc. The Red Clay category includes: Small Red Clay, Zhu (Imperial Red) Clay, Dahongpao (Big Red Robe), etc.One might then ask: Is Purple Clay better than Duan Clay or Zhu (Imperial Red) Clay? The quality of a purple clay teapot does not have an absolute relationship with its clay material; it depends instead on its craftsmanship and the beauty of its shape. If all the materials come from the original mine, there is no simple distinction between good and bad among Purple Clay, Duan Clay, and Zhu (Imperial Red) Clay. Instead, different clays are…

The four types of pots—Lotus Seed, Drum Imitation, Duetsphere, and Duet—are very similar and often confused. Let's clarify these four pot styles: 【Lotus Seed】 【Drum Imitation】 【Duetsphere】 As shown above, the Drum Imitation is generally the shortest among these four pots, with a handle that may have an inverted ear (a small ear-like protrusion at the end). The Lotus Seed pot is slightly taller than the Drum Imitation and also has an inverted ear on its handle. The Duetsphere pot is the tallest of the four, and its handle does not have an ear-like protrusion. The bottoms of the first three pots—Drum Imitation, Lotus Seed, and Duetsphere—are all fitted with a false bottom; looking straight down, there is no visible "foot," as the body curves directly to the bottom. The last style, the Duet pot, easily reveals its bottom, which features a "line" or "foot." This makes it relatively easy to distinguish. Its handle also lacks an ear-like protrusion. Lotus Seed The "Lotus Seed" pot shape consists of circles stacked from small to large, symbolizing the Chinese traditional meaning of "successive generations of noble offspring." Ancestral customs often use homophones for auspiciousness. The basic characteristics of the Lotus Seed pot…

For those who love tea, teapots are a must-have. They make brewing your favorite type of tea, whether it's loose leaf or in bags, super easy. With a teapot, you can get all the taste and smell from your tea just right. There are lots of different shapes and styles of teapots out there. Each one has something special about it that makes making tea even better. The way a teapot is made - like its body shape or what kind of tea it's best for - really matters when you're looking to brew the perfect cup. With a teapot on hand, you can make more than just one cup at a time which is great for sharing with others. Brewing together brings people closer and adds to the fun of drinking tea as well as allowing loose leaf teas enough room to spread out fully enhances their flavor. Teapots often have strainers or infusers built into them too; this means no mess when using loose leaves because they keep everything tidy inside while pouring your drink ensuring nothing but smooth sipping. As we move forward, we'll look into how designs have changed over time including why certain shapes mean…

 A newly fired purple clay teapot lacks luster and appears dull; it cannot be used directly for brewing tea. Therefore, before starting to use and maintain a new purple clay teapot, a series of processes must be carried out, which experts call "opening the purple clay teapot." Opening a purple clay teapot is a ritual bestowed by those who love purple clay teapots. Do not overly concern yourself with the process of opening the teapot; it simply means to start using the teapot. The primary purpose of opening a purple clay teapot is to remove impurities and the fiery smell within it, making its use more hygienic. There are various methods for opening a purple clay teapot, but the following four steps are the most practical: | Step One: Warm-Up | First, rinse the newly purchased purple clay teapot inside and out with boiling water to remove surface dust. Then, place the teapot in a clean pot without any oil residue and add water three times the height of the teapot. Boil for two hours to eliminate the earthy taste and the fiery smell. | Step Two: Cooling Down | Place tofu into the teapot and add water one time…

Due to being part of the same Eastern cultural sphere, Japanese tea wares emphasize connotations just like those in China. This piece shares content from Chapter Five of “Tea Pleasures in Variegated Colours: The Spread of Chinese Tea and Foreign Tea Affairs,” written by Yu Yue and published by Guangming Daily Press in August 1999. Since the 13th century, the custom of drinking tea has been widespread in Japan. After Kato Saemon studied porcelain making in our country and returned home, he began to pay attention to the porcelain industry. Kato, also known as Tojirō, settled in Seto, where generations of potters have maintained the traditional production of Seto ware. In 1510, Goro-taifu came to Jingdezhen, China, to study porcelain manufacturing and returned to Japan in 1515. He brought back the techniques and materials needed for producing blue-and-white porcelain from Jingdezhen, setting up a kiln in Arita, known for its clay, marking the beginning of porcelain production in Japan. While in China, he went by the pseudonym Wu Yangrui, and the porcelain he made was also called Xiangrui. These products were limited to using Chinese techniques and materials without significant innovation but later became rare and expensive porcelain. By the…