Teaware

1. After drinking tea, remember to dispose of the tea leaves and thoroughly clean both the inside and outside of the teapot. Note that when using a new teapot, remove any wax, oil, dirt, and tea scale from its surface. 2. If you find there is tea scale on your teaware, squeeze a small amount of toothpaste onto the teaware, then spread it evenly over the surface with your hand or a cotton swab. After about one minute, rinse the teaware with water. 3. Chop up some potato and put it in the cup, pour boiling water into the cup and let it sit for about 10 minutes. The tea scale will then be easy to wash off. Potatoes contain starch which has strong absorption properties, making it easy to remove the scale from the cup. 4. Place a small spoonful of orange powder or orange juice inside the teacup or teapot, fill it with water, and leave it for 2-3 hours. This makes the tea scale detach from the teaware, making it easier to remove. Different cleaning tools are used for different types of teaware materials 1. To remove tea scale from metal tea strainers, if the metal tea…

   In the development of tea culture, various tea ware emerged, among which the Yixing pot stands out. The longer a Yixing pot is used, the more lustrous and antique its color becomes. The tea brewed in it becomes richer and more fragrant. Even pouring boiling water into an empty pot will release a light tea aroma. Scientific analysis has shown that the Yixing pot preserves the original flavor of tea, allowing us to enjoy authentic tea with ease. This has created an inseparable bond between tea and the pot.       ◎Green Tea with Yixing Pot Green tea is an unfermented tea and the most produced type in China, accounting for around 70% of total tea production. It is also the oldest category of tea historically. The production of green tea in China is widespread, with provinces like Henan and Zhejiang being major producers. The latest scientific research indicates that the natural components in green tea have unique effects in preventing aging, cancer, as well as antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, surpassing those found in other types of tea. Main varieties: Xinyang Maojian tea, West Lake Longjing tea, Biluochun, Huangshan Maofeng, Lushan Cloud Mist, Lu'an Guapian, Taiping Houkui, Guzhu Purple…

The sheen of a purple clay teapot, also known as "water color," can appear either lustrous or dull. What causes this difference? Is it the clay material, the craftsmanship, or something else?... We see various colorful substances with our eyes because these substances reflect light. The less reflective they are, the darker they appear. If they don't reflect any light at all, we wouldn't be able to see them even in sunlight, which is the principle behind invisibility. After being fired to crystallization, a purple clay teapot forms a sandy texture due to surface contraction. Most of the light is absorbed by this texture, which is why new purple clay teapots appear relatively dim compared to other objects. Only a small portion of the light is reflected from the crystal surfaces, allowing us to perceive their presence. When a purple clay teapot has been maintained and polished for some time, it reflects light from the tea and oils that have been absorbed into the varying depths of its textured surface. This greatly increases the density of the reflective points, and since the light is refracted from different depths, it appears to have depth, creating an effect similar to a luminous…

A high-quality purple clay pot is unforgettable, and it should possess four qualities: first, it must be visually appealing, captivating at first sight; second, it must withstand close and repeated inspection, never tiring the eye; third, it must have a certain charm, leaving one in awe of its subtleties; fourth, there must be a connection, making one think fondly of it when away. Being visually appealing means that it should be pleasing to the eye, standing out among other purple clay pots with an extraordinary and unique character that is memorable and captivating. It's important to note that being visually appealing does not mean being overly flashy or attention-seeking. Those artifacts that try to grab attention through bizarre shapes or eccentric decorations may have initial visual appeal but are ultimately unappealing due to their excessive showiness. Withstanding close and repeated inspection means that the pot can endure detailed and repeated viewing, offering something new each time and never becoming tiresome. Some pots may initially impress but upon closer inspection reveal poor craftsmanship. Outstanding purple clay art has spirit and soul. Capturing this ethereal essence in the work is a demanding test for purple clay artists. To achieve the standard of…

In the vast array of ceramic categories, the decorative techniques used on purple clay pots can be considered the most numerous and richly varied. Some enthusiasts may find their pots attractive but struggle to articulate what makes them so. Today, we will share several decorative techniques with you. Note: Carving, as a separate category, is not covered in this article. Twisted Clay This technique involves combining two or more differently colored purple clay materials through kneading or layering to create a patterned effect. The patterns produced through twisted clay are colorful and rich in texture. Stamping ▲ Stamping This refers to first carving the designed pattern onto a hard material template, such as wood or stone, and then pressing a clay sheet onto it. ▲ Stamping Since the template's pattern is recessed, the resulting clay sheet is raised, as seen in previously mentioned examples like the Man Sheng Crescent Moon and Roof Tile Teapots. Clay Painting ▲ Clay Painting Purple clay is beaten into a paste-like consistency and painted onto the body of the pot according to the design, creating a layered effect that is dense and refined. Applied Sculpture ▲ Applied Sculpture This is commonly used in decorative purple…

The practice of treating new purple clay pots to resemble old ones, which are then sold as genuine antiques for huge profits, is known as "making new look old." Common methods include:1. Coating Method. A mixture made from strong tea juice, edible oil, vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, etc., is applied to the surface of a new pot.2. Boiling Method. New pots are boiled in concentrated tea broth, dried, and then boiled again repeatedly until they appear dull and aged.3. Oil Rubbing Method. Shoe polish of a similar color is rubbed onto the surface of a new pot.4. Earth Burial Method. New pots are buried in soil to fade their fresh appearance.How, then, can one distinguish so-called "old pots" or "antique pots"? Look at the clay color:Clay used before the mid-Qing Dynasty mostly shows a muddy yellow hue, as people did not yet know how to add iron oxide powder to adjust the color. Chen Mingyuan's Flat-Footed Square PotLook at the shape:During Shi Dabin's era, pots with ribbed patterns dominated. During the "Man Sheng Pots" craze, geometric shapes were prevalent. For example, Cheng Shouzhen only made three styles – "Duiqiu," "Fanggu," and "Hanbian" – in his later years. Cheng Shouzhen's Duiqiu…

Since its inception during the Ming Dynasty and flourishing in the Qing Dynasty, the Zisha teapot has developed for hundreds of years, with countless shapes. The most classic teapots are not only appreciated for their beautiful designs but also for their unique cultural connotations that resonate with many enthusiasts. Among them, there are ten classic Zisha teapot shapes, each with its own story or symbolism, conveying profound and enduring truths that elucidate the philosophy of life. 【Stone Spout】— Temperance The Stone Spout is a traditional classic style of Zisha teapot, elegant and upright. It is said that the original name was Stone Kettle, but during the Republic of China period, Mr. Jingzhou suggested the meaning "Of all the water in the world, I will drink but one cup," renaming it the Stone Spout Teapot, which has been used ever since. The Stone Spout tells us to be content with what we have and not to be overly greedy. Material desires are never fully satisfied, "With a thousand acres of fertile land, one can eat no more than three bowls per meal. With ten thousand rooms, one can sleep in no more than one bed." Excessive possessions burden us. 【Imitation Ancient】—…

Purchasing a purple clay teapot is one of the most critical steps in collecting them. Therefore, after gaining a preliminary understanding of purple clay teapots, mastering the purchasing tips and collection methods becomes the most important issue. This chapter poses questions from various angles so that readers can acquire relevant knowledge as quickly as possible and prepare adequately for the practical stage. How to choose a purple clay teapot from the perspective of brewing tea? When choosing a new teapot, if considered purely from the perspective of brewing tea, the first thing to consider should be the practical functionality of the teapot. When deciding on the size of the teapot, you should consider how many people usually drink tea at home and select a teapot with an appropriate capacity. Consider what kind of teapots you already have and which ones are missing. Use this method to choose the size of the teapot. Furthermore, consider the variety of tea you intend to brew. Purple clay teapots have excellent tea compatibility, but teas come in different categories and require different brewing methods. Therefore, when considering the teapot's brewing function, the shape, size, etc., of the purple clay teapot should be thoughtfully considered.…

 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…

The four treasures of tea utensils are: the Mengchen Brewing Pot, Ruochen Cup, Yushu Kettle, and Red Clay Brazier. The Mengchen Brewing Pot is a small teapot made from Yixing purple clay. Why is it called Mengchen? According to legend, Mengchen was a famous potter from the Ming Dynasty in Jiangsu, China, surnamed Hui, who specialized in making small teapots. When used for brewing tea, these small pots retain the color, aroma, and flavor of the tea. They are durable, and even when filled with boiling water alone, they impart a tea flavor. In the heat of summer, tea left overnight does not easily sour. These teapots have strong heat resistance, so there is no risk of cracking when boiling water is poured into them during winter. Additionally, they conduct heat slowly, so they do not become too hot to handle when in use. Over time, they develop a luster and take on an antique appearance. The Ruochen Cup, often paired with the "Mengchen" as the two jewels of tea utensils, is a thin porcelain cup. It is as thin as paper and as white as snow, small and delicate, resembling half a ping-pong ball or a miniature rice bowl.…

Tea is a combination of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. Why so? The TV series "Chicken Feathers to the Sky" features a classic scene: "Tea, a fine tree of the south." The opening words of Lu Yu's "The Classic of Tea" are telling, indicating that tea belongs to wood. Here, when we refer to tea, we mean the tea plant, not the finished product. So, what is the relationship between tea and the five elements? How can the five elements achieve yin-yang harmony? What considerations should be given to how teaware is placed? 01 Tea has the Five Elements, the Way of Nourishing with Tea Metal: "Pan-fried to halt oxidation," it belongs to "metal." Fire: Tea is pan-fried using fire, which defines its character. Water: Tea is brewed with water, which unfolds its leaves and reveals its aroma. Earth: Brewing requires vessels, typically made of clay or porcelain teaware. "Harmony" is the soul of Chinese tea culture. Harmony adjusts yin and yang, harmony generates the five elements, harmony is the middle path, and harmony embodies "unity of heaven and humanity." According to traditional Chinese medicine, if a person's five elements are balanced and their generation and control are appropriate,…

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…

Drinking tea for health has become the choice of many office workers. The purple clay teapot is a commonly used tea utensil, but what kinds of tea are suitable for brewing in it? Does it have anything to do with the shape and size of the teapot? In fact, when using a purple clay teapot for brewing tea, apart from considering the type of clay used, you can also make choices based on the capacity and characteristics of the teapot's shape. So, what kinds of tea are suitable for brewing in a purple clay teapot? What rules should be followed? Black Tea: West Beauty Teapot, Rongtian Teapot The common feature of the West Beauty Teapot and the Rongtian Teapot is their large belly, deep body, and plump, round shape, which can fully bring out the aroma of black tea without damaging the leaves. As the color of black tea infusion is relatively dark, it is suitable to use darker colored clays such as Tianxing clay, blue-gray clay, or Dicaoqing clay for making the purple clay teapot. Oolong Tea: Duozhi Teapot, Dragon Egg Teapot Most oolong teas expand significantly after brewing, so teapots with slightly larger mouths, like the Duozhi Teapot,…

Almost all enthusiasts of purple clay teapots are also tea lovers. Because they enjoy drinking tea, they are particular about the vessels used for brewing, which is why they choose the excellent brewing tool that is the purple clay teapot. To achieve a good tea-drinking experience, brewing is indeed an important step, but storing tea also has a significant impact. Many enthusiasts use a purple clay teapot for brewing and a purple clay canister for storing tea, demonstrating a high level of attention to detail. However, just as there are specific ways to care for a purple clay teapot, there are also many nuances to consider when using a purple clay canister for storing tea. Today, I will discuss how to store tea in a purple clay canister, so your tea can be kept in the best condition possible. How to Use a Purple Clay Tea Canister? 1. Characteristics of Various Tea Canisters Tea is a dried product that can easily absorb moisture and become damp, leading to quality changes. It has a strong affinity for water, odors, and its aroma can evaporate very quickly. (Therefore, tea can also be used as a deodorizer; placed in a refrigerator, it can…

The tea of the Song Dynasty favored white, while the tea wares were revered for their black-glazed bowls, unique in history. Silver-threaded hare's fur, shimmering with brilliance; paper-cut decorations, vivid and lifelike; partridge splashed, with spots that change in light. The clear black and white contrast between the black-glazed bowl and the tea highlights the beauty of the foam. The Song Dynasty revered Daoism, and the white tea in black vessels embodied the principles of Yin and Yang. The Jian kiln, located in the area of Houjing and Chizhong Village, Shuigai Town, Jianyang County, Fujian Province, is renowned for its production of black porcelain. The Jian kiln was one of the major kilns during the Song Dynasty, initially established in the late Tang and Five Dynasties period, primarily producing celadon. By the Song Dynasty, a cluster of kilns emerged in Jianyang, with 99 long dragon kilns, producing a large quantity of black porcelain. Jian ware can be categorized into six main types based on the glaze patterns: Ujim (dark blue-black), hare's fur, oil spot, partridge, iridescent, and miscellaneous colors. Hare's Fur Bowl A hare's fur bowl features fine brownish-yellow or rust-colored thread-like streaks on a black glaze surface, resembling hare's…

How to nurture a beautiful teapot? This is the most frequently discussed topic and one that every enthusiast of teapot artistry wishes to delve deeper into. Here, I am willing to share my humble insights gained over many years of nurturing teapots for the reference of fellow enthusiasts in the teapot arts. Firstly, good clay. The proudest achievement in nurturing a teapot lies in the uniqueness of the purple clay material; the secret to successful nurturing primarily depends on the quality of the purple clay. Superior clay allows you to achieve twice the result with half the effort, fully enjoying the pleasure and sense of accomplishment in nurturing the teapot; inferior clay will make your efforts futile, leaving you with a tasteless experience and nothing but regret. Therefore, carefully selecting purple clay is the first step to successfully nurturing your teapot. Secondly, thoroughly clean the teapot. If it's a new teapot, be sure to remove the vaseline applied to the surface of the teapot (this can be done by boiling or using salad detergent to clean it); if it's an old teapot, wash away any accumulated grime on the surface. Whether it’s a new or old teapot, returning it to…

We often come across various Yixing teapots but may not know their names. Here, we will introduce some of the most common Yixing teapot shapes.  Source: Chinese Tea Culture Knowledge

The shape of the teapot is a crucial factor in determining the capacity of a purple clay teapot. Some shapes are delicate and elegant, suitable for being made into medium or small size teapots, such as the West Lady, Horizontal Level, and Siting Pavilion shapes, etc. If they were forcibly made into large or super-large sizes, would they retain their charm? Some shapes are majestic and imposing, suitable for being made into large or super-large size teapots, such as the Han Dynasty Square, Quadrangular Jade Seal, and Han Dynasty Roof Tile shapes, etc. If they were forcibly made into small teapots, would they still exude their presence? It is precisely because of this inherent quality that we can see millions of different shapes, each with its unique characteristics. Those who love purple clay teapots will certainly encounter this problem: having acquired large, medium, and small teapots, how should one pair and use large and small teapots in daily life to ensure they are all used equally? Small teapots are convenient to carry and can be taken on business trips in your bag. They can be brought to tea houses for morning tea, hidden in office drawers for a quick tea…

Liking tea often means buying a purple clay teapot. I remember when Xiao Yue bought her first purple clay teapot, she cherished it so much that she opened it carefully and even bought a special water bath cooker just for its inauguration. She slowly boiled water in it for hours, taking great care of it, all the while thinking to herself: It’s you from now on! However, who would have thought that soon after, I found a new favorite. Using a purple clay teapot does indeed require some attention to detail, such as the method of cleaning it. One cannot blindly be “diligent” but must know the right approach to maintain the teapot properly. When cleaning your purple clay teapot, first observe if there is any oil, wax, or other dirt on the surface. If so, it needs to be cleaned promptly. Purple clay has the advantage of good breathability, and if oil stains adhere to it, the pores will become clogged. Moreover, neglecting to clean your teapot can lead to the accumulation of tea scale inside and oily dirt on the surface over time. This not only affects its appearance but also creates unsanitary conditions that can impact our…

The Southern Song Dynasty: Zhou Jichang, Lin Tinggui, et al., “Arhats Drinking Tea” Have you watched the recent hit Song Dynasty drama, "Dream of the Red Chamber"? Actress Liu Yifei plays the lead character Zhao Pan'er, who is the owner of Zhao's Teahouse and stuns viewers with her fluid tea preparation skills in her first appearance. From a tea enthusiast's perspective, the most captivating aspect of "Dream of the Red Chamber" is its portrayal of "tea culture," filled with ancient charm and texture, with tea utensils and tea-making techniques largely true to Song Dynasty style. Let’s now appreciate the exquisite saucers used by ancient people for drinking tea. In the Song Dynasty, tea was prepared by "beating and stirring" using a tea whisk to stir and strike the tea broth; saucers were designed to prevent scalding hands. Southern Song to Yuan Dynasty: Gilt Silver Flower and Bird Patterned Tea Saucer and Saucer – The Metropolitan Museum of Art, USA Collection Ruyao Porcelain Northern Song Dynasty: Ruyao Sky Blue Glazed Paulownia Petal Shaped Saucer – British Museum Collection Guan Porcelain Song Dynasty: Guan Porcelain Celadon Saucer – Palace Museum Southern Song Dynasty Guan Porcelain Saucer - Excavated from the Southern Song…

Some cities are rather awkward, being very cold in winter but not located in areas with central heating. Recently, temperatures have dropped significantly across most of the country, and this sudden temperature change can be detrimental to pots. Winter is a high-risk season for damage to purple clay pots. When using and drinking tea from your pot during the winter, please pay attention to the following points! The situations that usually lead to cracking are as follows: 1. Special clays and pot shapes: In purple clay pots, special attention should be paid to clays with high crystallinity and unevenly walled shapes (such as Gong Chun pots). Crystallinity, or the degree of vitrification during firing, is an inherent property of the clay, and different clays achieve varying degrees of crystallization when fired. Among purple clays, Zhu Ni has a higher crystallinity, followed by Zi Ni, then Lu Ni and Duan Ni. Clays such as Zhu Ni and Da Hong Pao in red clay pots have a high natural crystallinity after firing, resulting in a glassy surface. As a result, they are more prone to cracking than other clays when subjected to sudden changes in temperature during use. 2. The pot itself…

The selection of tea utensils should take into account three factors: the occasion, the number of participants, and the type of tea. High-quality tea utensils paired with premium teas complement each other, enhancing the enjoyment of tea tasting. For example, for high-grade green tea, a clear glass cup without patterns or colors is recommended, as it not only suits the temperature needed for brewing green tea but also allows one to appreciate the color of the tea and the transformation of the leaves. For oolong tea, an elegant and rustic purple clay pot is ideal; for flower-scented tea, a lidded teacup that can retain fragrance and warmth is suitable. The choice of tea utensils also depends on the quality of the tea. For instance, for mid-range green tea with ordinary appearance, a porcelain pot would be chosen for brewing. The brewing utensils must be clean and intact, and when choosing them, attention should be paid to the coordination of colors, materials, and the harmony of the entire set of tea utensils. The arrangement of tea utensils should be logical, practical, and aesthetically pleasing, paying attention to the sense of hierarchy and the variation in lines. When setting up the utensils,…

Tea can be boiled, savored, drunk, or poured. The various actions associated with tea reflect the myriad facets of human life. It is said that a Japanese scholar approached Lin Qingxuan to seek his insights into China's profound tea culture, only to find him idly seated in a recliner, holding a delicate small pot and sipping directly from it, without using a cup, in an unboundedly relaxed manner. The scholar was surprised. Could it be done this way? Unfortunately, Lin Qingxuan did not tell him that there is a way of tea but no rigid rules. As long as the tea is willing and I am willing, what else is there that cannot be done? "Sipping alone," in my view, is the ultimate enjoyment of drinking tea. With flower shadows at the door and a cool breeze under the veranda, holding a pot of fine tea, pouring all kinds of emotions into one's heart. Cherishing oneself, drinking alone, and opening one's heart freely, without joy, without restraint, without hindrance—this is how a true scholar drinks. Drinking tea, in the end, is something that brings pleasure to oneself. From the same pot of tea, Buddhists see Zen, Daoists see qi, Confucians…

In the realm of purple clay teapots, we can categorize them into three types: plain-naked teapots, scholar-engraved teapots, and imperial teapots. The first category includes round, square, and ribbed teapots, which have a plain and naked body without any embellishments. They rely solely on the lines and shapes to convey their aura. ▲Wall-Raised Teapot Made by Jingzhou Designed and crafted based on the concept of jade walls, this teapot is flat and cylindrical in shape, with a gentle yet firm appearance that is harmonious and well-proportioned. The handle's rhythm of solidity and void is coordinated, and the overall shape is dignified and correct. The simplest points, lines, and surfaces are used to express the natural charm of plain purple clay teapots. ▲Monk’s Hat Teapot Made by Jingzhou The teapot features richly varied lines and appropriate proportions, especially with the tightening cloud-shoulder line at the neck and shoulder, enhancing the teapot's rhythm. The lotus petals’ proportion and opening angle give an impression of blooming lotuses. The size and thickness of the spout and handle are well-proportioned with the overall shape, while the cover’s layers are neatly raised, perfectly supporting the flower-shaped knob, making it appear dignified and restrained, finely crafted. ▲Precious…