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…

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…

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…

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

1. Gaiwan Ceramic Tea Set A gaiwan tea set is a type of tea ware that consists of a lid, a saucer, and a bowl. It is also known as the "Three Talents Bowl," with the lid representing heaven, the saucer representing earth, and the bowl representing humanity. Drinking gaiwan tea is full of flavor. If you want a stronger tea infusion, gently scrape the surface of the water with the lid, causing the tea to swirl around in the bowl. Light scraping results in a lighter infusion, while heavier scraping makes it stronger — this is its charm. 2. Aroma Cup The aroma cup is used for smelling the fragrance and is longer and thinner than a tasting cup. It is a unique piece of tea ware for oolong tea, often used when brewing highly fragrant Taiwanese oolongs. It is usually paired with a tasting cup of the same material, and adding a saucer creates a complete aroma cup set. Benefits include: one, good insulation which allows the heat to last longer, giving drinkers a chance to warm their hands by holding the cup's neck; two, slower release of aromas, allowing drinkers to fully appreciate and savor the scent.…

In the vast array of Yixing teapot shapes, many have evolved from each other, leading to a number of models that are extremely similar, often confusing enthusiasts. The most typical examples are the “Xishi (Beauty), Wndan (Pomelo), and Longdan (Dragon Egg)” round teapots. 01 Longdan Teapot The Qing dynasty's Wu Dingmei, in his work Yangxian Minghu Fu ("Ode to Yangxian Teapots"), wrote: "Round ones resemble balls, slightly elongated, known as Longdan." This is the earliest description of the Longdan teapot style. The Longdan teapot is particularly endearing, with an oval line forming its basic outline. Its shape is simple, smooth, and robust, creating a strong overall impression. The Longdan teapot is also known as the "Longdan teapot," named for its resemblance to a dragon's egg. ▲ Qing Dynasty Longdan Teapot The Longdan style retains traces of the Ming dynasty aesthetic, favoring naturalness, strength, and simplicity in its design. This is an early Qing piece, featuring a straight spout, sturdy and practical. ▲ Qing Dynasty Longdan Teapot This is a mid-to-late Qing piece. The spout has been modified, and this version has become a classic design passed down through generations. It features a triangular cone-shaped spout that starts thick at the…

Purple clay teapots are unique in that neither the inside nor the outside is glazed, allowing the lid and body to be fired together. This ensures that the finished product has a tight, smooth lid that keeps out dust and retains heat. The main forms of lids include the press-on lid, the inset lid, and the cut-off lid. (1) Press-On Lid (also called “Complete Lid”): This type of lid sits on top of the mouth of the pot. Its edge can either be square or round, complementing the mouth of the pot. A flat piece of clay placed over the mouth is called a “seat,” while a bent piece is referred to as a “false piece.” The piece of clay forming the mouth is known as a “clump,” and the clay ring around the pot’s wall is called the “child mouth.” These parts and their transitions are connected using clay, making them blend seamlessly and appear as if they were made as one. Regardless of whether the pot is square or round, the rim of the lid and the rim of the mouth echo each other vertically and horizontally. The lid sitting on top of the mouth is also known…

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.…

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. Gaiwan In 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 Teapot A Yixing purple clay teapot is made from the special purple clay found in Yixing, Jiangsu Province. Its…

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.

Chaozhou Gongfu tea, the word "gongfu" being key, not only emphasizes the technique of brewing but also pays great attention to the craftsmanship of teaware. For the people of Chaozhou, drinking tea means using the four treasures of Gongfu tea: Zhuni teapot, Ruoshen cup, Hongni stove, and Shaqiao kettle, among which the Zhuni teapot is the jewel in the crown. Roundness is Not Uniform The Artistic Charm That Hits Just Right Chaozhou Zhuni teapots, commonly known as "chongguan," are made from Zhuni clay, which is soft and free of sand, making it highly malleable. The craft involves "hand-pulled forming," an ancient method using a potter's wheel. This process requires nearly 60 steps, including pulling, trimming, scraping, water application, glazing, and firing, all of which are intricate and meticulous. The shaping of Zhuni teapots relies on the ingenious rotation of the potter's wheel. In the course of inheriting teapot culture, potters infuse their creative ideas, unique designs, and exquisite skills into the teapots, endowing them with more cultural characteristics in terms of shape and decoration. They break free from the limitations of geometric roundness, displaying rich variations in curved forms that resemble fruits, bamboo sections, and wheels, creating a world of…

The use, maintenance, and cleaning of purple clay pots come with specific knowledge and methods. These practical tips are the summation of life experiences. Understanding this knowledge and mastering the correct methods can greatly enrich and improve tea and pot arts.Drinking tea in winter is a very healthy practice. Brewing tea with a purple clay pot not only brings out its rich aroma without any cooked taste but also offers an advantage over other teapots due to its excellent heat retention, especially in cold weather. Preparing the Tea This refers to brewing tea. Different teas require different water temperatures for steeping. Tip: Remember to warm up the purple clay pot before brewing tea in winter, especially Zhu Ni pots, to prevent cracking. Purple clay pots come in various heights. Tall pots are suitable for black tea, while short pots are better for green tea. Tall pots have a higher body and a more closed lid, making them ideal for black tea. Since black tea undergoes fermentation during processing, steeping it in a tall pot allows for deep brewing, fully developing the tea's flavor, aroma, and color, resulting in a richer and more fragrant infusion. Shorter pots have a shorter body…

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…

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.…

A teapot enthusiast asked: My zisha teapot dries almost instantly after pouring water on it, does this mean the clay is of high quality? Many people enjoy pouring boiling water over their teapots while brewing tea to judge the quality of the clay by how quickly the surface absorbs water. They believe that chemically treated teapots have a smooth, wax-like surface that doesn’t absorb water, whereas teapots made from original, pure clay can rapidly absorb moisture due to the superiority of the clay. Today, let’s discuss what the “water absorption” of zisha teapots is all about. Do Zisha Teapots Really Have “Water Absorption”? In fact, the speed at which a zisha teapot absorbs water is related to the crystallization degree of its firing, the shape of the teapot, and the fineness of the zisha clay, among other factors. Generally, new teapots are more absorbent than those that have been used. A zisha teapot cannot absorb as much water as you pour on it; this is fundamentally a flawed theory. For a qualified zisha teapot, we control the level of its “water absorption” within a very small range, typically around 1.5% to 2%. Why Do People Think Zisha Teapots Have “Water…

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…

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…

Why do many people like to brew tea with a gaiwan? A gaiwan, as the name suggests, is a teacup with a lid. Most of the gaiwans we see today typically consist of three parts: the lid, the teacup, and the saucer. These three parts are metaphorically referred to as heaven, earth, and human, hence the gaiwan is also known as the Three Talents Cup representing harmony among heaven, earth, and humanity. Benefits of Brewing Tea with a Gaiwan One, a gaiwan is suitable for brewing any type of tea. There is no tea that cannot be brewed with a gaiwan, unlike a glass cup which is only suitable for green tea and not other teas. Purple clay teapots are not ideal for brewing green tea or oolong tea. Additionally, due to the double-pore structure of purple clay teapots, they tend to absorb the flavor of the tea, so if you enjoy drinking a variety of teas, you would need a different teapot for each one. On the other hand, if you use a gaiwan, the porcelain does not absorb flavors. With just one gaiwan at home, you can adjust the brewing process slightly according to the nature of the…

    Water is the mother of tea, and utensils are its father, serving as vessels that nurture and hold tea. Tea utensils are the medium through which we appreciate and savor tea, and "when utensils are exquisite and clean, they enhance the beauty of the tea." Therefore, the choice and arrangement of tea utensils play an indispensable role in the enjoyment of tea. With the development of modern society and changes in tea-drinking customs, tea utensils have evolved in terms of variety, form, and meaning, bringing not only delicious tea but also a sense of joy and comfort. ❃ Water Kettle and Stove A well-suited set of water-heating tools can inspire endless possibilities for tea lovers. The "Yushu Wei," one of the "Four Treasures of the Tea Room," refers to the water kettle, while the "Chaoshan Lu" is the stove used for boiling water. The Yushu Wei is a small, flat pot made of thin, reddish porcelain with a capacity of about 250 milliliters. When the water boils, the lid makes a bubbling sound, as if calling out to brew tea. Nowadays, this type of kettle is rarely used. In most teahouses, slightly larger purple clay pots from Yixing, often…

A genuine purple clay teapot should have no unusual smell when you purchase it. If there is any smell, it would typically be the scent from firing in the kiln, a smoky odor, or an earthy smell from the clay. The unusual smells we refer to are pungent odors, fragrances, or other types of odors. So where do these odors in purple clay teapots come from? Chemically treated teapots: Chemical colorants are added to achieve desired colors, which can result in a pungent smell. For example, manganese oxide and cobalt oxide are used for coloring. Therefore, when buying a teapot, it's not recommended to purchase those that are brightly colored and eye-catching. Improper storage: After using a purple clay teapot for some time, if it isn't properly cleaned, tea residue often remains inside. After cleaning a purple clay teapot, some people like to use paper towels to absorb excess water inside. Purple clay has a double-pore structure that allows air to pass through but not liquid, making it easy for the teapot to absorb odors. If the paper towel used has a fragrance, it can easily be absorbed by the teapot. Therefore, when storing a purple clay teapot, it should…

      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…

Nurturing a teapot is a pleasure that requires a certain understanding of purple clay. Over time, a specific set of methods for nurturing teapots has been developed. Various supporting tools have emerged in the process. However, what is considered the correct and optimal method for nurturing a teapot? Dedicate Each Pot to a Specific Tea Type Due to its unique double-pore structure and the arrangement of molecules like scales, purple clay can absorb tea infusion (with an absorption rate of 1.6% - 7.05% for purple clay teaware), causing changes in the pot's body and allowing it to retain the aroma of the tea it contains. Teapots made of materials such as glass, porcelain, and stainless steel cannot keep tea at high quality for extended periods due to their dense and impermeable nature. After the initial "opening" process to remove the earthy smell from the new pot, experienced tea lovers try various types of tea with the pot. Based on personal preference, they decide which type of tea the pot will be used for and stick to this choice, ensuring "dedication of each pot to a specific tea type." When brewing tea, always match the tea with the appropriate pot, strictly…

The main subject of Chinese tea culture is people, and tea exists as an object to serve humans—it is there for our enjoyment. Chinese tea culture is often referred to as a philosophy of beauty. It encompasses the Buddhist aesthetic of circular and ethereal beauty, the Taoist sense of profound and expansive beauty, as well as the Confucian elegance and subtlety. So, what tools should one prepare for brewing gongfu tea? 1. Tea Placement Tools ① Tea Scoop: A tool used to transfer tea from the tea canister into the teapot. ② Tea Spoon: Used to transfer tea leaves from the scoop into the teapot. ③ Tea Funnel: Placed over the teapot mouth to guide the tea in and prevent leaves from spilling outside. ④ Tea Presentation Dish: A multi-functional tool that not only serves the functions of the above three but also allows you to observe the shape of the tea, judge the quantity, and smell its dry aroma. ⑤ Tea Pestle: Used to break long tea leaves in the presentation dish to make them easier to put into the pot. ⑥ Tea Caddy: Small canisters for portioning out tea leaves. 2. Tea Management Tools ① Tea Tongs: Used…

Chinese people love to serve tea to their guests. Serving tea upon entry has three meanings: first, it shows the host's respect for the guest, as there is a sense of courtesy in the tea; second, it demonstrates the host's hospitality, with the friendship between host and guest and the goodwill towards the guest all contained in this cup of tea; third, it helps to adjust the atmosphere so that neither the host nor the guest feels awkward or constrained. Serving and drinking tea actually carries a psychological aspect of mutual communication. Etiquette comes first in everything, and serving tea to guests is no exception. How should teacups and teapot be placed? 1. The process of placing the teapot and cups should be orderly, balanced left and right, and unobstructed as much as possible; 2. If there must be an obstruction, arrange items from lowest to highest, placing shorter items like cups in front of the guest's line of sight; 3. To show respect to the guest, the spout of the teapot should not face the guest, and any patterns on the teapot and cups should be directed towards the guest, placed neatly. The teapot spout should not face the…