Teaware

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,…

Old Wang is a well-known master at nourishing purple clay pots in the Suzhou pot circle. The pots that have passed through his hands are all dark and elegant, ancient and simple, as warm and smooth as jade, extremely graceful. Many people have asked Old Wang for advice on how to nourish their pots so well. Old Wang mentioned the importance of frequent washing and use, but the crowd requested more detailed methods. Old Wang sighed deeply; everyone now only saw how well he could nourish his pots, but they didn't know how many beloved pots he had ruined in the process, and in various ways... Over-nourished to Death When Old Wang first started playing with purple clay pots, he heard that pouring tea over the pot daily could make the purple clay pot absorb the tea faster and form a patina. So he poured tea over the pot every day. After pouring tea over the pot, he didn’t wipe it off. His pot-nourishing cloth was used as a tablecloth. After a few months, he found that his pot had uneven dark patches. It had been over-nourished to death. Old Wang beat his chest and stomped his feet. His first…

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…

The purple clay teapot is made from clay derived from minerals. In theory, it can be used indefinitely as long as it doesn't break. However, in reality, this isn't always the case. If a teapot is well maintained, it will remain fresh over time. But if during use, its inherent nature as a purple clay teapot is lost, even if the body of the pot remains intact, it loses its significance as a purple clay teapot. To ensure longevity for your purple clay teapot, the key lies in doing these things correctly.1Initiating the TeapotUse the right method to initiate the teapot and preserve the sandy properties of the purple clay. Popular online methods such as the "apple initiation method" or the "sugarcane initiation method" can have the opposite effect and damage the teapot's breathability. 2Knocking and BumpingWhen using a purple clay teapot, handle it gently. Sometimes, a slight knock may not be immediately visible but could cause cracks during later use. Since purple clay teapots are fragile, if you have children or pets at home, make sure they are out of reach.3AdsorptionPurple clay teapots enhance the aroma of tea due to their porous structure. This porosity also makes them prone…

Most Jianshui purple clay artifacts, in essence, are the result of combining “form” with “shape.” Only by achieving as perfect a union of “form” and “shape” as possible can artisans create outstanding Jianshui purple clay works.The two homophonic Chinese characters have different meanings. “Form” refers to the shape of the artifact; it is fixed and static, and can be more broadly understood as tradition. When we speak of a certain form now, we refer to a shape that has been established over the course of history. Only when made in that particular way can it be called that specific form. “Shape,” on the other hand, is changeable and dynamic, with each artifact having a unique shape. Relatively speaking, Jianshui purple clay artifacts offer more expressive space in terms of “shape.” Artifacts of the same form can have one-of-a-kind “shapes” in their decoration, carrying distinct meanings. Negative engraving and positive filling, along with literati painting and calligraphy, make the “shape” of Jianshui purple clay artifacts infinitely variable. The Chinese ink and wash art displayed represents the emotional expression and individuality of the artist. The unique decorative technique of negative engraving and positive filling permanently embeds literati painting and calligraphy into the…

Many people don’t understand: a purple clay teapot—it’s just a teapot, right? Why do some sell for tens of thousands of yuan? They find this hard to comprehend. An ordinary teapot might cost a few hundred yuan, but an expensive one can go for tens of thousands—what’s the difference? Is it because of the clay? Is the clay for a teapot that costs tens of thousands of yuan particularly expensive? In fact, the amount of clay used in making a teapot isn’t much; it only makes up a small proportion of the teapot. The price doesn’t reflect the cost of the clay; rather, the price determines the quality of the clay used. There is certainly a difference in the clay between cheaper and more expensive teapots, but the reason they are expensive is not simply due to the cost of the clay. Is it because the maker is famous and has a high title? In people’s preconceived notions, before even seeing the teapot, if they hear it’s the work of a certain master, they assume the price will be shockingly high. As these preconceptions become entrenched, they equate fame and high titles directly with the price of the teapot. High…

The Purple Clay through the Eyes of the Dingshan People What is purple clay? Purple clay is a type of stoneware, a ceramic product that lies between pottery and porcelain. It is a cultural heritage passed down from our ancestors and a shining diamond in the five-thousand-year history of Chinese culture. To the people of Dingshan, purple clay is not only a means of livelihood but also a form of culture. In their daily lives, the presence of purple clay is always evident. Flower pots for gardening, stone stools in courtyards, building materials for walls, jars for storing rice, discarded teapot lids repurposed as pen holders by artisans, chipped teapots used to hold vinegar at small wonton stalls under the big wooden bridge—whether flawed, discolored, or marred with blemishes, any defective teapots that cannot be sold find practical uses in everyday life. The love the people of Dingshan have for purple clay runs deep within their bones; it is unchangeable. Their confidence in purple clay has been passed down from generation to generation, never shaken! A person, a handful of earth, a clay teapot, and a city.

Some collectors do not understand the principles of nurturing a teapot and believe that simply placing it in a clean spot after purchase is sufficient. Thus, they often place the teapot in a display cabinet or pack it into a box, considering their task complete. Such a method of storing teapots is highly inadvisable. Newly purchased teapots should be carefully nurtured during tea brewing sessions before being stored. Using a teapot skillfully is actually the best form of maintenance, although this may not apply to rare purple clay artifacts. Tang Yun, a prominent contemporary collector of purple clay, liked to use his "Man Sheng" teapots in rotation for brewing tea just like ordinary teapots. He once said, “I don’t want to use antiques as mere decorations; I want to use them. If something can be used, I will use it.” Some guests would feel awkward when he served them tea brewed in such precious teapots. Mr. Tang would laugh and say, “These are merely external possessions; they should be used frequently. Only through frequent use can they become part of one’s inner self, achieving a state where both the object and oneself are forgotten. Most people do not understand this.”…

If the Yixing teapot is purely for daily use, it's generally appropriate to choose one priced between 500 to 1,000 yuan. If you seek both practicality and artistry in your teapot, you may opt for one costing between 1,000 to 10,000 yuan. If you also desire collectibility, you might consider teapots priced between 100,000 to 10 million yuan. The appropriate price for a personal-use Yixing teapot depends on your purpose for purchasing it. If it's just for everyday use and you don't care whether it was made by a renowned craftsman, a teapot priced between 600 to 1,000 yuan would be suitable. If you want a teapot that not only serves practical purposes but also meets artistic standards and exceeds basic models, you might choose one priced between 4,000 to 10,000 yuan. These teapots are typically made from precious clay and are mostly handcrafted. If you wish to use your teapot daily and also for collecting, you could consider teapots priced between 10,000 to 100,000 yuan. Such teapots are often crafted by renowned artisans and embody craftsmanship, artistry, and cultural value. A Yixing teapot is an essential piece of tea ware on any tea table and an important component of…

When it comes to Xi Shi, everyone is familiar. As one of the Four Great Beauties of ancient China, she was renowned for her graceful and beautiful appearance that could captivate a city. In the world of zisha (purple clay) teapots, there is also one known as “Xi Shi.” As the name suggests, this teapot should be as beautiful as Xi Shi herself, or perhaps its inspiration originates from Xi Shi. Xi Shi was a maiden who lived in the state of Yue during the Spring and Autumn period. She was naturally beautiful and enchanting, truly capable of captivating a city with just a smile and a country with another. A poem describes her thus: a small mouth like a cherry, a lock of hair like a rainbow; even without makeup, she was adored by heroes of old. The Xi Shi teapot is also an exquisite creation among zisha teapots, and today we will delve into the essence of both Xi Shi and the Xi Shi teapot. The King of Yue, Goujian, endured hardship and plotted to restore his kingdom. He presented Xi Shi to King Fuchai of Wu, intending for her to subvert the state of Wu. Everyone in…

I believe there are many tea enthusiasts who love their purple clay teapots, but not all of them know how to protect them. The maintenance of a purple clay teapot is particularly important. This is not only because of its collectible value but also because it has practical uses, so you should take good care of your purple clay teapot. Fear of Dropping Purple clay teapots are especially afraid of being dropped. Once ceramic products are broken, they cannot be restored to their original state – even if repaired with techniques like porcelain joining or kintsugi, the result will only be a kind of imperfect beauty. How can you prevent dropping your teapot? When pouring tea, keep another finger on the lid or knob, and avoid large movements. Keep the teapot in hand during the pouring process, as many lids fall off while pouring tea. Avoid imitating the tricks that teapot sellers use, such as lids that don’t fall off or upside-down spout and lid demonstrations. These are just gimmicks that could easily ruin your beloved teapot, making it a waste of effort. Place the teapot in high or cabinet locations where children can’t reach, and don’t let clumsy people…

Tea culture has a long history in China, with records of tea dating back to ancient times. Not only that, but there is also a significant emphasis on tea utensils, which are not chosen haphazardly. Even a simple teacup has its own unique considerations. So, how much do you know about Chinese tea culture and the various tea utensils used for brewing? The utensils for brewing tea can be categorized as follows: 1. Yixing clay (purple clay) tea utensils are both elegant and resonant. This type of material has been used for several hundred years and is characterized by a dual-pore structure, giving it strong adsorption capabilities. When used for brewing tea, it enhances the color, aroma, and flavor of the tea. 2. Porcelain and ceramic tea utensils are both delicate and substantial. These utensils are moderately priced and therefore make up a large proportion of all tea utensils. They come in various types such as celadon, fine earthenware, and colored pottery. 3. Artistic tea utensils are both innovative and exquisite. In recent years, the enthusiasm for art pieces has not diminished; instead, it has become increasingly popular. Consequently, artistic tea utensils have emerged and have been well-received. The above…

“Mud door” is a term often heard by enthusiasts of purple clay teapots. What does it mean? Simply put, it's a term used to describe the density or tightness of the particle distribution in the clay body of a purple clay teapot after firing. Low density is referred to as loose mud door, while high density is called tight mud door. Specifically, it relates to the preparation of the clay, the use of a slicking tool, and the pot-making technique. When identifying whether a teapot is fully handmade or semi-handmade, checking if the tightness of the mud door is consistent inside and outside the pot is one of the key methods. In brief, a fully handmade teapot is formed by hand using a bamboo paddle, so the characteristic of the mud door on the body is tight on the outside (surface) and loose on the inside (interior). The particles on the outer surface are densely distributed and become even tighter after the application of a slicking tool. However, the inner wall has not been pressed hard by hand but rather lightly shaped, so the particle distribution in a fully handmade teapot is relatively loose, meaning the mud door appears loose.…

  Seals and Markings on Purple Clay Teapots The markings (seal impressions) on purple clay teapots serve as important evidence for identifying their age and the maker's name. These are also the sole basis for valuation in the cultural relic, antiques, and auction industries. As a result, they are the easiest place for forgers to manipulate. Throughout history, skilled purple clay artisans and masters have been meticulous about using seals and marking their works. Their seal impressions not only demonstrate high artistic standards but also exhibit strict attention to detail in terms of seal layout and form, which is a critical factor in authenticating these marks. Generally, the marks of renowned artisans feature the following characteristics: Seal production is highly refined. The seals used by famous artisans are either made by themselves or commissioned from renowned seal engravers, showcasing a certain level of artistry. In contrast, counterfeit seals lack this quality, often appearing lifeless. The use of seals is appropriately stylized. Some artists may use two or more seals with different styles on a single teapot, carefully positioning them to achieve an overall harmonious appearance. The placement of inscriptions and seals is appropriate. The marks on purple clay teapots typically…

Among the many types of purple clay teapots, what shape do experienced tea connoisseurs prefer? Experienced tea drinkers have sampled a wide variety of teas and naturally understand the aroma-enhancing capabilities of purple clay teapots. They collect various types of teapots, and among them, round-shaped teapots are the most frequently chosen. What are the appealing features of round-shaped purple clay teapots? 1. Easy to Handle For a tea connoisseur who enjoys sipping tea, a purple clay teapot is an object that should never be far from their hands. Whenever they have free time, they like to start brewing tea. Why do most people lean towards round-shaped teapots? After brewing tea, round-shaped teapots are easy to hold and play with. When brewing tea, hot tea water can be poured over the teapot, allowing the color of the tea to seep into the teapot. After drinking the tea, you can hold the teapot in your hand and caress it all over, which is enjoyable. Over time, the luster and water color of the teapot will become outstanding. With a square teapot, one can only admire it on the table. Square teapots have sharp edges, making them uncomfortable to hold and caress, unlike…

Drinking Pu'er tea is best with porcelain cups, purple clay cups, glass cups, etc. Pu'er tea can be divided into raw and ripe teas based on its processing method. Raw tea has a stronger character and ample qi, with noticeable salivation and a sweet aftertaste. Ripe tea is mellow and smooth, with rich inner qualities. Using different types of cups—such as glass or porcelain cups—can authentically reproduce the tea's aroma, while purple clay cups can enhance the depth of the tea's flavor. Suitable Cups for Drinking Pu'er Tea Tasting Cup: As the name suggests, a tasting cup is used for savoring tea. In the eyes of many tea enthusiasts, the tasting cup is an essential piece of teaware that showcases one’s personal taste. Tasting cups come in various shapes and materials. When choosing a tasting cup, always adhere to the principle that it should not be hot to the touch and should be easy to drink from, selecting a cup that matches both the tea leaves and the teapot. Gaiwan: A gaiwan is a type of teaware consisting of a saucer, a bowl, and a lid, also known as a "three-talent bowl" or "three-talent cup." It can be made from…

Zhuni teapots, mostly small in size, are adorable and thus widely loved by teapot enthusiasts. However, due to the relatively low reserves of zhuni, high-quality zhuni is rather rare and precious, making it a common target for clay counterfeiting. Genuine Zhuni West Lake Lady Teapot So how can one buy authentic, genuine zhuni? Please read on. The classification of genuine zhuni generally divides it into three types: Huanglong Mountain Zhuni, Small Coal Mine Zhuni, and Zhaozhuang Zhuni. 1. Huanglong Mountain Zhuni is a thin layer of oily clay found between the top yellow stone and purple clay deposits. After firing, it appears unpolished and lusterless, with an orange-red color. 2. The Small Coal Mine area is abundant in zhuni production, with the largest output. When fired, its color is bright and vivid. 3. Zhaozhuang is famous for producing red clay. Zhaozhuang Zhuni is the fatty clay found between rotten yellow stone and red clay deposits, which is also scarce. After firing, its color is dark red. Genuine vs. Fake Zhuni Genuine zhuni comes in only one form: Zhuni raw stone is weathered and then sieved through a screen of a certain mesh size, water is added, and it is mixed…

Liubao tea is best brewed using a clay pot, a glass pot, or a purple clay teapot. Liubao tea belongs to the category of dark tea and is a specialty product of Wuzhou, Guangxi. Its leaves are rich in content and have a substantial, coarse texture. The flavor is robust and rich, with a unique betel nut aroma. When brewing, a clay pot or a purple clay teapot can be used to enhance the smoothness of the tea soup. A glass pot can also be used to authentically reproduce the taste of the tea. What Kind of Teapot is Best for Brewing Liubao Tea? One: Purple Clay Teapot For regular Liubao factory tea, a purple clay teapot can be chosen for brewing. Purple clay teapots have good breathability and adsorption properties. They can gather the aroma of the tea without overpowering its natural essence or introducing a cooked flavor. Moreover, the aroma easily dissolves into the tea soup, making the taste richer and more pleasant in the mouth. Two: Nixing Clay Teapot When brewed with a Nixing clay teapot, Liubao tea has a pure and mellow aroma. The tea water produced is entirely true to the authentic taste of Liubao…

How should an idle purple clay teapot be stored?In fact, many of us who collect teapots will often encounter this problem. Typically, when we buy a new teapot, we rinse it with tea or water to "wake up" the clay. However, when we store it in a brocade box, we often overlook one important detail, which is a big no-no for storing a purple clay teapot. Here, I'll explain some common reasons why purple clay teapots develop mold spots: Possibility One: After washing the teapot, the owner puts the lid back on without allowing the pot to completely dry. This leads to stagnant water inside the pot, creating a humid environment that lacks air circulation, which provides an ideal habitat for mold growth. Possibility Two: High humidity in the air. During February and March, which are the rainy months in southern China, the air is very humid. If the space where the teapot is stored is not well-ventilated, improper storage can lead to mold formation. How do you remove mold spots? Procedure: Pour boiling water into the purple clay teapot. When the pot is thoroughly heated, pour out the hot water and fill it with cold boiled water. Repeat this…

Almost all pot enthusiasts are tea lovers. Because they enjoy drinking tea, they are particular about the utensils used for brewing, which is why they choose the brewing tool, the purple clay pot. However, to obtain a good tea-drinking experience, brewing is undoubtedly an important step, but storing the tea also has a significant impact. Many pot enthusiasts use purple clay pots for brewing and purple clay cans for storing tea, which shows how meticulous they are. But just as there are rules for nurturing a purple clay pot when using it for brewing, there are also several considerations when using a purple clay can for storing tea. Today, I will talk about how to store tea in a purple clay can, so your tea can be stored better. 1. Characteristics of Various Tea Cans Tea is a dried product that can absorb moisture and become damp, causing a change in quality. It has a strong affinity for water and odors, while its aroma is easily volatile. (Therefore, tea can also be used as a deodorizer, placed in the refrigerator to absorb odors.) If tea is not stored properly, it can deteriorate. Therefore, the type of container used and where…

When the lid of a pot breaks, enthusiasts often want to find a replacement, while potters are often reluctant to make one. This can lead to some frustration among collectors. However, understanding the characteristics of Yixing clay and the process of making Yixing teapots can help enthusiasts comprehend the situation. In the world of Yixing teapots, there is a saying: “It’s easier to make three pots than to match one lid.” This is because the properties of Yixing clay vary, and factors such as clay mixing, firing temperature, and firing method can affect the final appearance of the pot, with different contraction rates after firing. ▲Dezhong pot in Ding Trough Qing, plain style A Yixing teapot undergoes two contractions from its raw state to being fired: drying contraction and firing contraction. The degree of contraction is directly related to the type of clay, the moisture content of the raw pot, the firing temperature, and the firing time. It is impossible to replicate the exact firing temperature and time, so even if the same type of clay is used to make identical pots, the size of each firing will vary slightly. ▲Dezhong pot in Ding Trough Qing, bamboo engraving style Therefore,…

We often talk about the unique characteristics of purple clay teapots, such as their ability to retain fragrance when brewing tea and lack of cooked soup aroma. While the claim that they remain fresh even in summer might be an exaggeration, purple clay teapots do indeed have a distinctive “porosity” not found in other types of teaware. ▲ Brewing tea with a purple clay pot The porosity of purple clay teapots comes from their unique “double-pore structure,” which refers to the sand particles and their agglomerate structure within the clay material itself. ▲ Cross-section particles Purple clay materials used for making teapots vary in coarseness, indicated by different mesh sizes, leading many to wonder if the porosity of a purple clay teapot is related to its mesh size. Mesh Size The mesh size refers to the size of the purple clay particles. When we grind and sieve purple clay ore, we use a screen to determine the mesh size, with common sizes being 24, 32, 40, 60, 80, and 100 mesh. The smaller the mesh size, the coarser the clay particles; conversely, the larger the mesh size, the finer the clay particles. ▲ Cross-section particles The mesh size also affects…

Some collectors do not understand the principles of nurturing a pot. They think that once they buy a pot, placing it in a clean spot is enough, so they often just put it in a display cabinet or box and consider their task done.Such a method of storing pots is the least desirable. A newly purchased pot should be carefully used for tea brewing to nurture it before storage. Clever use is actually the best way to maintain it, although rare purple clay artifacts are exceptions. Contemporary purple clay collector Tang Yun liked to use his "Man Sheng" pots for tea brewing in rotation like ordinary teapots during his lifetime.He once said: "I don't want to use antiques as decorations; I want to use them. If something can be used, I will use it." Some guests were at a loss when he served them tea brewed in such a precious pot.Mr. Tang laughed and said: "These are external possessions that should be used regularly; only by using them regularly can they become part of oneself, achieving a state where both object and self are forgotten. Most people do not know this." Preserving purple clay is indeed important, but maintenance is…

Beloved Yixing clay teapots have come a long way since their origin at the ancient Yangjiao Mountain kiln site in the Northern Song Dynasty, through storms and sunshine, solitude and bustle, never falling out of favor. I. Dragon Fish Pot A classic traditional pot shape, first created by renowned Yixing pot maker Shao Daheng during the Daoguang and Xianfeng eras of the Qing Dynasty. On one side, a fierce dragon head emerges from waves, its mouth spitting out a luminous pearl. On the other side is an image of a carp leaping out of the waves. The lid is shaped like waves rising, with a three-dimensional carved dragon head protruding from the crest, serving as the lid knob. The dragon head can extend and retract; when pouring tea, the dragon head extends, and a dragon tongue extends from inside. When the tea is poured out and the pot is leveled, the dragon head retracts, and the dragon tongue also disappears back into the dragon's mouth, a very ingenious design. II. Shishi (Stone Spout) A traditional classic style made by many famous potters over the generations, each with their own unique style. It includes variants such as Ziyi Shishi, Jingzhou Shishi,…