Teaware

Why is it that when you first get your hands on some teapots, even before you start brewing tea in them, they feel very smooth and oily? Have you ever wondered why?While it's true that the aging of the clay and the artisan's skill in burnishing contribute to this, without a good base quality, the teapot wouldn't come out of the kiln with such an oily finish. The term "oily" confuses many enthusiasts. You might often hear statements like, "This teapot is made from Hongjiangpo clay, which has a very oily texture." Clay with oil content?High-quality clay naturally contains an oily component. When you repeatedly smooth the cross-section of good ore, you can faintly see signs of oiliness, much like how high-quality jade is naturally lustrous and over time becomes more like sheep fat. However, lower-quality jade will never achieve such an effect no matter how many years pass. Purple clay is similar in this regard. The oily texture of purple clay teapots is inherent in the clay itself. Other characteristics of purple clay can be artificially adjusted, but the oily texture is difficult to change. If the ore has good oiliness, then the teapot made from it will also…

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.

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 Water Boiling Method for Opening a Purple Clay Pot (Recommended) The water boiling method is used for purple clay pots with a strong earthy smell. The steps are relatively complex, but the results are excellent. Generally, good purple clay pots will be opened using this method. 1. Warm-Up: Boil the Pot in Water First, thoroughly clean the purple clay pot to remove any dirt (including leftover sand and powder). Rinse it inside and out with boiling water, then use a clean towel dipped in water to wipe it down carefully. Allow the pot to dry naturally. Then, place the tea pot into a pot without oil stains, add water three times the height of the pot (enough to cover the pot by about an inch), and boil for two hours. This will remove the pot's earthy smell and fire taste.   2. Cool Down: Boil the Pot with Tofu After removing the pot, let it cool down to room temperature along with the tea accessories. Place tofu inside the pot (it is recommended to use old tofu because it has strong absorption properties). When filling the pot, press slightly to prevent the tofu from escaping when the water boils.…

Tea utensils are generally used for drinking tea, but few people think creatively about them. However, in real life, there are people who can come up with these creative ideas. One: Usage of the Tea Strainer The tea strainer is placed on the teapot's mouth when adding tea, guiding it into the pot and preventing tea leaves from falling outside the pot. Two: Usage of the Tea Scoop The tea scoop is used to transfer tea into the teapot and is typically made of bamboo. Three: Usage of the Tea Tongs Also known as 'tea chopsticks,' the tea tongs serve the same function as a tea spoon, allowing you to remove tea residue from the pot. They are also often used to hold teacups while washing them, which is both heat-resistant and hygienic. Four: Usage of the Tea Needle The tea needle is used to clear the inner mesh (beehive) of the teapot to ensure smooth water flow. Five: Usage of the Tea Presentation Dish The tea presentation dish serves a similar function to the tea scoop and tea strainer, being a tool for placing tea. However, it also has an aesthetic function for appreciating the tea. Its main use…

For many newcomers, there may indeed be some confusion. After all, the culture of purple clay has continued for hundreds of years, enduring and thriving, playing an increasingly important role in tea culture. This further illustrates that for tea drinkers, a purple clay pot is indispensable tea ware. Many seasoned tea enthusiasts have used purple clay pots from the beginning, and later even purchased dozens of various styles of Yixing purple clay pots. To those unfamiliar with purple clay pots, this may seem quite perplexing! Why do so many people like to brew tea using a purple clay pot? Why is Tea Brewed in a Purple Clay Pot Better? The most direct benefit is that it doesn’t get too hot to handle. Due to the nature of the material, a purple clay pot does not conduct heat easily. Also, because of the unique shape of the pot, one’s hand is less likely to touch the walls of the pot. A purple clay pot can absorb the aroma of tea. The unique material allows a frequently used clay pot to retain the tea fragrance, and the longer the pot is used, the stronger the tea scent it retains. A purple clay…

It's often said that a woman who drinks tea has a certain charm. And a woman who enjoys drinking tea from a Yixing clay pot possesses a natural, refreshing, and perfectly balanced beauty. Today, I'll introduce ten styles of teapots that are particularly favored by women. 01 Xi Shi (Doll) Teapot The Xi Shi teapot has a plump and adorable shape with graceful curves. The flush-fitting lid makes the entire form appear unified, making it perfect for handling. As one of the four great beauties of ancient China, the name Xi Shi naturally evokes associations of beauty, elegance, and nobility. As the saying goes: Beautiful is the Xi Shi, but the most wonderful is the Xi Shi teapot. 02 Beauty's Shoulder Teapot The Beauty's Shoulder teapot resembles an elegant and lovely ancient Chinese woman, exuding imperial splendor while also possessing the grace of a young lady. The design is full and dignified, with the main focus on the roundness of the body. The lid blends seamlessly with the body, and the teapot feels warm and smooth to the touch. 03 Smiling Cherry Teapot The Smiling Cherry teapot, originally named the Three-Line teapot, draws inspiration from ancient ceramic tea storage jars…

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…

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…

For many who enjoy drinking tea, there's a common annoyance—the accumulation of tea stains on their utensils. How can one easily clean these utensils? Proper maintenance not only keeps the tea more healthful for consumption but also ensures that the buildup of tea stains, which can be detrimental to health, is minimized. Most people tend to use steel wool (scrubbing balls) or loofah sponges, which are relatively abrasive cleaning tools, to scrub away the stains. While this approach is effective, consider that using such rough tools can easily damage the glaze on the surface of your tea utensils, gradually wearing it down. Over time, the tea stains will seep into the utensils themselves, causing them to take on the color of the tea and making them impossible to clean. The best method for cleaning is to, after each session of drinking tea, promptly dispose of the leaves and rinse the utensils with water. Maintaining this good habit over time means you won't need any cleaning tools, and your utensils will remain bright and glossy. However, many people often neglect cleaning their utensils right after drinking tea, instead opting to rest or do something else. By the time they remember to…

Purple clay teapots need to be nurtured, and the more they are cared for, the smoother and more lustrous they become with a rich, understated sheen. This is what many teapot enthusiasts or newcomers to the hobby hope to achieve. Over time, the gradual infusion of tea juices, the continuous handling, dust, sweat, and even the prolonged rubbing of clothes and skin, along with the gentle caress of airborne particles, accumulate layer upon layer. They seep into the teapot, gradually forming a "weathered" sheen on its surface, which is known as "patina." It's similar to the oil-brightened appearance that a yoke would develop from long-term use in our childhood homes. This "weathered" appearance exudes a warm, reserved glow, much like the scholarly refinement of a Confucian scholar, quietly nourishing everything around it. It is not an ostentatious brightness nor the "falsified luster" of fake teapots but rather a luminous quality imbued with spirit through prolonged contact with the human body. Patina is a term used in the antiques trade, not just applicable to purple clay teapots. Items such as porcelain, wooden objects, jade, bronze, and even thin paper artifacts like paintings and calligraphy can develop patina after being weathered by…

The gaiwan brings out the original flavor, while tea brewed in a purple clay pot is enhanced. You will find it somewhat sweeter. If you are not doing a tea tasting but enjoying an aged tea, many seasoned tea enthusiasts would choose a purple clay pot. Brewing Puer Tea with a Purple Clay Pot Suitable for brewing ripe tea, aged tea, and compressed tea. Given that puer tea improves with age, it is suitable to use high temperatures to awaken the tea leaves and extract their contents. A purple clay pot has good breathability and heat retention, absorbs tea juice, and is resistant to both hot and cold temperatures. Secondly, its good breathability helps to restore the true color, aroma, and taste of the tea. Moreover, due to the unique nature of its material, it is very suitable for brewing compressed teas, aged teas, and ripe teas. Its excellent heat retention slows down the dissipation of the aroma, making the brewed tea more flavorful. Furthermore, long-term use can enhance the aroma of puer tea, making its flavor richer and more mellow. Brewing Puer Tea with a White Porcelain Gaiwan Suitable for brewing new teas, raw puer teas, and loose teas.…

China is one of the world's major producers and consumers of tea. On our vast land, there are six distinct types of tea and nearly a thousand different varieties. The naming methods vary across these diverse categories. Various and distinctive naming methods are hallmarks of Chinese culture. Below, we will briefly explore some of the naming methods used for well-known Chinese tea varieties. 1. Naming based on the scenic mountains and rivers of their origin is common among the teas we drink. Examples include "West Lake Dragon Well" from Hangzhou, Zhejiang; "Yuhua Tea" from Nanjing, Jiangsu; "Putuo Buddha Tea" from Mount Putuo; "Huangshan Maofeng" from She County, Anhui; "Maoshan Qingfeng" from Jintan, Jiangsu; "Shennong Qifeng" from Hubei; "Jinggang Cuiru" and "Lingyan Jianfeng" from Jiangxi; "Tianshe Qifeng"; "Cangshan Xuegreen" from Yunnan; "Helin Immortal Tea" from Sichuan; and others. 2. Naming based on the shape of the tea leaves is also common. For example, "Melon Seed Tea" from Lu'an, Anhui, which resembles melon seeds; "Sparrow Tongue" from Hangzhou, shaped like a sparrow's tongue; "Pearl Tea" from Shengxian, Zhejiang, shaped like pearls; "Eyebrow Tea" or "Slim Eyebrow Tea" from Zhejiang, Anhui, and Jiangxi, resembling eyebrows; "Purple Bamboo Shoots" from Changxing, Zhejiang, shaped like…

      Glass, known to ancient people as liuli or lusili, is actually a colored, semi-transparent mineral. Tea wares made from this material give people a vivid and radiant feeling due to their bright colors and lustrous shine. The technique of making liuli in China started early, but it was not until the Tang Dynasty that with the increase in cultural exchanges between China and foreign countries and the continuous introduction of Western liuli wares into China, did the country begin to produce liuli tea wares. The plain, footed, light yellow liuli tea cup and the plain light yellow liuli tea saucer unearthed from the Famen Temple’s underground palace in Fufeng County, Shaanxi Province, which were offered by Emperor Xizong of the Tang Dynasty, are genuine Chinese liuli tea wares. Although their shapes are primitive, decorations simple, texture appears mixed, and transparency is low, they indicate that Chinese liuli tea wares had already emerged during the Tang Dynasty and were considered precious at the time. In modern times, with the rise of the glass industry, glass tea wares quickly became popular. This is because glass is transparent, lustrous, and highly moldable, so the tea wares made from it come in…

In previous articles, we've expressed some viewpoints: slipcast and wheel-thrown pots, in a strict sense, do not qualify as genuine purple clay teapots. This is because the most important characteristic of purple clay is its sandy texture and breathability, which fundamentally distinguishes it from other ceramics and glassware when used for brewing tea. Slipcast and wheel-thrown pots lack these properties, as they are made from slurries with over 200 mesh fineness and added glass water, losing the breathability that characterizes genuine purple clay teapots. These two types are typical examples of fake purple clay, and yet many people still buy slipcast or wheel-thrown purple clay teapots today. The fundamental reason is that they have seen too little of the real clay. Due to their high mesh fineness, slipcast and wheel-thrown pots have very smooth surfaces without any sandy texture. In contrast, the texture of original mine clay has noticeable granules, appearing rough but actually being smooth and warm. Details of Original Mine Purple Clay Let's take a look at some details of original mine clay today to appreciate authentic purple clay. Texture Details of Gu Jingzhou's Lotus Seed Teapot with Cow Cover Texture Details of Gu Jingzhou's Bamboo Drum Teapot…

Zisha Teapot In the early years of the Republic of China, the city of Yixing, known for its bamboo groves and kiln smoke, welcomed an ordinary day. However, in Dingshu Town, the Ceramics Apprentice School was bustling with excitement. The owners of Utilization Company, major kiln households, and prominent figures in Dingshu Town were all agitated. It turned out that a walnut-shaped teapot, created as a graduation piece at the Ceramics Apprentice School, had been made exceptionally well, drawing much attention. The walnut-shaped teapot was a specialty of renowned teacher Fan Dasheng, who had recently won a gold medal at the Panama Exposition. This particular teapot was even better than the one that had won the gold medal. Although it belonged to the same type, it was not a mere copy but instead possessed more charm and grandeur. The creator of this graduation piece was Feng Guilin, who was just a teenager at the time. As the saying goes, "A myriad of shapes emerge effortlessly from his hands, unmatched by any other." Feng Guilin's zisha teapots vary in form—some are plump, others slender; some tall, others short; some square, others round; some intricate, others simple. They often undergo changes and…

The phrase "this purple clay teapot has been fired multiple times" is often seen. Does this mean it wasn't fired properly the first time, so it had to be tried again? Actually, that's not the case. So why were older purple clay teapots fired only once, while modern ones are fired two or more times? Is it better to fire them once or twice? When Were Teapots Fired Just Once? Before the Republic of China period, local artisans in Dingshu hadn't yet adopted modern kiln-firing techniques and mostly used dragon kilns. Dragon kilns have poor controllability, and each additional firing increased the risk of damage. Therefore, older teapots were typically fired just once. As a result, the lids rarely fit tightly, unless the potter was an exceptional master who understood the clay's properties perfectly. Such masters were rare. Why Are Modern Purple Clay Teapots Fired Multiple Times? With advances in modern technology, new kilns like shuttle kilns and electric kilns have become common, allowing for precise temperature control. With higher standards for craftsmanship, a second firing became standard practice to ensure a tight lid fit. The first firing is at a lower temperature. After the teapot comes out of the…

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…

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…

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…

 Yixing purple clay teapots, like Jingdezhen ceramics, are already world-renowned. The most prominent feature is that they do not alter the original flavor of tea, “trapping the aroma and releasing the warmth,” and with prolonged use, they can absorb the fragrance of the tea. This is because the pores in purple clay teapots are relatively large, they have a high water absorption rate, and also good breathability, so they can maintain the color, aroma, and taste of tea for a longer period. For daily maintenance, please note: after use, keep the inside of the teapot dry and avoid accumulation of moisture; when not in use, store it in a well-ventilated area, do not place it in a stuffy location, and it should not be wrapped or sealed; avoid contact with oil stains, and do not place it near places with excessive smoke or dust; actually brew tea, the more times you use it to brew tea, the more tea essence it will absorb; cleaning with a brush or cloth should be moderate, after pouring tea over the surface, use a soft-bristled small brush to wash away any residue, rinse with boiling water, then wipe lightly with a clean tea towel;…

The method of initiating a new teapot, known since ancient times, has generated many different approaches. Suggestions range from boiling the pot with tofu, sugarcane, or tea, to simply using water, and even adding banana peels—everything but adding monosodium glutamate (MSG) and soy sauce! Various enthusiasts have imitated these methods, enjoying the process of initiating their teapots. The initiation is an indispensable procedure. So, how should one correctly initiate a new purple clay teapot? This article will reveal the answer. A freshly made purple clay teapot, having gone through the kiln's fiery test, is covered in dust, looking coarse and dull, but after prolonged use, it reveals a warm and lustrous appearance. Upon receiving a new teapot, one should not immediately start brewing tea, as some cleaning and preparation are usually required before first use, this process is known as "initiating" the teapot. Initiation Steps Cleaning Clean both the inside and outside of the teapot, wipe away any dust and impurities with a soft tea cloth. Warming the Pot Rinse the teapot with warm water, then fill it with boiling water and pour more boiling water over the exterior of the pot. This step both warms and awakens the teapot.…

Tieguanyin, a traditional Chinese tea, belongs to the Oolong category and is one of China’s top ten famous teas. It is classified as a semi-fermented tea. Many people enjoy drinking Tieguanyin. If you're going to brew Tieguanyin, I would recommend trying a Zhu Ni (Red Clay) teapot. Zhu Ni and Tieguanyin are often paired together, making the Zhu Ni teapot the preferred choice for brewing Tieguanyin. Zhu Ni teapots have a high density and contraction ratio, which enhances the aroma of the tea. Using this teapot results in a tightly bound, smooth tea soup with a long-lasting aftertaste and strong sweetness. The characteristics of the teapot are quite unique. Six One Hall Dahongpao Cigar Section A Zhu Ni teapot of around 200 ml is more suitable for drinking Tieguanyin. The teapot can quickly reach a high temperature, which meets the requirements for brewing Tieguanyin. In addition to Zhu Ni teapots, Zi Ni (Purple Clay) teapots are also good due to their broad applicability. How to store Tieguanyin? There are five factors that affect the quality of tea: moisture, temperature, air, light, and odor. Generally, low temperatures and vacuum-sealed storage are required to preserve the color, aroma, and taste of Tieguanyin…

"Amidst the wild springs, fires, and white clouds, I sit drinking fragrant tea and loving this mountain." In ancient times, people valued not only the tea but also the setting. The setting refers to the environment, the artistic conception, and even more so, the state of mind. Zhu Quan of the Ming dynasty said: "All those who are like cranes and phoenixes, poets and hermits, can transcend the mundane world and dwell beyond material things, refusing to be part of the masses or tainted by the secular world." Besides elegant rooms and refined cottages, natural landscapes, forests, springs, gardens, and countryside were all natural spaces for tea. Regardless of the season or weather, a bowl of tea brings not only physical pleasure but also a harmony between the soul and nature. Sitting amidst the mountains and waters, one drinks tea and engages in spiritual communion with heaven and earth. Setting up / Welcoming the New Seeking: Affection for Mountains and Waters "The wise find joy in water, the benevolent find joy in mountains." Mountains and waters are the confidants and spiritual havens of Chinese literati. They can be places for leisurely wandering, sightseeing, quiet contemplation, seclusion, and elegant gatherings—a sanctuary…