Teaware

The gloss of a Zisha teapot, also known as "water color," can appear lustrous or dull. What causes this difference? Is it the clay, the craftsmanship, or something else?... (Close-up) After a Zisha teapot is fired to crystallization, surface contraction forms wrinkles. Most light is absorbed by these wrinkles, which is why new Zisha teapots appear relatively dim compared to other objects. Only a small portion of light is reflected from the crystalline surfaces, making the pot visible. After a period of care and use, tea and oils are adsorbed onto the different depths of the wrinkles, increasing the density of reflective points. Since these reflections come from various depths, the light appears to have depth, resembling a luminous cloud. The light scattered from crystalline points also creates an effect similar to a misty glow. Thus, genuine Zisha teapots do not appear overly bright and are not glaring under strong light, giving off a warm and lustrous feeling. Observing the gloss sounds simple but requires experience. A Zisha teapot with good gloss is made from pure, high-quality clay and crafted with skillful techniques at the correct firing temperature: 1. The clay must be pure and of high quality. Only clays…

Teapots made to look old with shoe polish What is making a new teapot look old? Making a new teapot look old refers to the process of treating a new Yixing clay teapot so that it appears as an old one, which can then be sold at the price of an "old teapot." No matter what method is used to make a new teapot look old, it can usually be identified with careful examination. In the Yixing clay teapot industry, teapots made before 1949 are generally considered old, while those made after 1949 are called new. Making a new teapot look old is similar to doing the same with porcelain or jade, capitalizing on the Chinese preference for antiquity and ancient objects. Teapots made to look old with shoe polish In terms of texture, most new teapots do indeed lack the translucency of older ones. Old teapots tend to appear fine, smooth, and gentle, whereas new ones are rough and dry. The reason for this is that the quartz molecules and iron elements in the clay undergo changes during repeated exposure to hot and cold water. Additionally, the frequent handling by the owner during tea drinking gradually makes the surface…

Simplicity without monotony, the tea ware, complemented by dried flowers, bamboo baskets, and mats, evokes a Japanese sense of Zen aesthetics. It turns out that the details of life can be so beautiful! Recently, many ceramic artists in Dehua have been drawing inspiration from aesthetic principles in Taiwan and Japan. Using their skills in glaze color blending, they create simple yet distinctive works of art. These are both artistic expressions of urban slow living and practical items, becoming popular home decor items on the market. Cultural and Creative Design Enhances Ceramic Quality The tactile sensation of cotton and linen, a water-resistant fabric dyed with natural plant dyes from Taiwan draped over a table, paired with a set of square, simply designed yellow tea ware (Fig. 1), and a finely crafted bamboo mat, the rustic and natural aesthetics created by Dehua's ceramic artists seem to come naturally. "The natural feel of cotton and linen or bamboo mats creates an atmosphere of tranquility and serenity in the Zen space." Square and minimalist yellow tea ware (Fig. 1) In the Zhengyu Art Ceramic Exhibition Hall in Dehua, reporters see sets of tea ware embodying Zen aesthetics carefully arranged on display tables. Seeing this…

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…

First Stage: Learning and UnderstandingI believe this is a phase that every teapot enthusiast has gone through. All the teapots look great (depending on personal preferences, some prefer square-shaped pots, some like flower-adorned ones, some favor plain ones, and others like those with engravings). During this period, one tends to acquire teapots they like regardless of others' opinions. Due to individual economic differences, these pots can range from tens to thousands in price. Regardless of their cost, the best tea at home is used to honor them, sometimes even becoming an object of constant affection.If a friend says they're not good, one might argue vehemently. If the friend is inexperienced or cannot provide convincing reasons, there will be no regrets about one's choices, and this phase may last longer, with a period of self-indulgence in admiration.If the friend is knowledgeable, one will ponder their words after a debate. To prove who is right, one will read many relevant books and materials, and in doing so, the second stage begins!Of course, some people will immediately look up related information after buying a pot because the names of the styles—like "ancient imitation," "ball stack," "stone ladle," etc.—prompt a desire to know exactly…

Believe it or not, most of us have had the experience of keeping pets from a young age. When we were little, our parents were usually the main caretakers, so our experience was more about having fun. Later on, when you became financially independent, you had more options for pets—cats, dogs, fish, birds, and so on—but how many successful experiences did you have in raising them? A tea lover's pet is an emotional bond, different from typical pets, as a tea pet can truly be kept without being discarded or abandoned. The pet of a tea lover is known as a tea pet. A tea pet, as its name suggests, is nurtured with tea water. It is actually a small handicraft made of purple clay or yellow mud, such as elephants, turtles, toads, Pixiu, pigs, and so on. Different tea pets carry different meanings; some symbolize wealth and contentment, while others represent happiness and good fortune. People collect them according to their preferences and place them on their tea tables. A beautiful tea pet is one that a tea lover spends time and effort slowly "cultivating." When drinking tea, a tea lover gently waters their pet with tea or brushes…

The mesh size of the purple clay used in Jianshui pottery is much higher than that of other types of ceramics, usually over 200 mesh and can even reach over 300 mesh. Works made from such finely textured clay have many distinctive features in both craftsmanship and finished products. The foundation of unglazed polishing is fine clay. If the clay has a low mesh size or a grainy feel, it is unsuitable for unglazed polishing. The clay used in Jianshui pottery exceeds 200 mesh and is as fine as ointment. Those who have handled Jianshui purple pottery can personally experience the feeling of touching the surface of a clay pot, which is smooth like jade with no graininess at all. This is why Jianshui pottery can be polished to a luster as smooth as jade and even shiny enough to reflect light. Fine clay offers greater plasticity. Carving and filling on wet clay while preserving the essence of calligraphy and painting is one of the most unique aspects of Jianshui purple pottery. The reason why it's possible to paint, engrave patterns, and fill the clay (multiple times) on wet clay without damaging the body and achieve a high degree of…

Water Heater The most commonly used water heater is an electric kettle, also known as a portable water heater, made of stainless steel or plastic. Additionally, there are ceramic, glass, and cast iron kettles designed to be used with open flames or induction cookers. Teapot A teapot is used to hold tea leaves and boiling water, making it an essential tool in the process of brewing tea. Common types of teapots include those made of purple clay, ceramic, porcelain, and glass. Purple clay teapots are the dominant choice due to their excellent airtightness and breathability, and they are widely recognized as superior vessels for brewing tea. Ceramic teapots come in various colors and shapes, porcelain teapots are particularly attractive, and glass teapots are perfect for brewing flower teas. Teacup Used for tasting tea. Tasting cups are typically small and handleless. The styles, patterns, and materials of tasting cups vary greatly, with porcelain cups being the most common. Currently, imitation Ru kiln cups in various colors are quite popular. Covered Bowl (Three-Talent Cup) Also known as a three-talent cup, it usually consists of a lid, bowl body, and saucer, symbolizing "Heaven, Earth, and Humanity" in harmony. Covered bowls are most commonly…

"Internal cracking," "external cracking," and "cloud disk" are issues that occur during the making of purple clay teapots, commonly seen in ribbed designs. Why is this so? Because ribbed designs have a distinct concave and convex profile, where the "ribs" act as the "bones," representing the contracting force; the "cavity" represents the "breath," showing the bulging force. The requirements for a ribbed-cavity teapot are: both the inside and outside of the teapot should feature ribs and cavities; the rib and cavity formations must be lively and smooth; the ribs and cavities on the lid and mouth of the teapot must correspond and connect tightly. This combination of convex and concave profiles can lead to cracking due to the sandy nature of the clay, resulting in "internal cracking" and "external cracking." Internal cracking refers to cracking on the inside of the teapot. If you purchase such a teapot, you may not notice it at first, but when brewing tea in winter, the sudden temperature change might cause a thermal shock, leading to a crack. This is one reason why thermal shock cracks often occur in purple clay teapots during winter. In the full-handmade process for ribbed design teapots, the maker shapes…

"After crude molds are fired, each reveals its remarkable quality. Though seemingly made of clay, they emit a metallic or jade-like sound when struck," this is a five-character verse by the Qing Dynasty scholar Zheng Banqiao, succinctly conveying the charm and spirit of purple clay teapots. A lump of purple clay, after being shaped by skilled craftsmen into a work of art, experiences its first life; later, it becomes a cherished vessel for tea connoisseurs, who through continuous care, give it a second life. Whether a purple clay teapot can flourish with a second life depends on the owner's care. So, how do you know if your nurturing efforts are effective? "Daily handling of a contented teapot, green tea leaves and fragrant blossoms soothe the stomach," nurturing a teapot not only benefits one's health but also brings joy in seeing the pot gradually develop a lustrous appearance. So, how exactly can you nurture it to achieve the desired effect? Here are some key points to keep in mind: Basic Principles for Nurturing a Teapot 1. Thoroughly clean the inside and outside of the teapot before and after each use. 2. Moderate wiping: dry or wet. Dry wipe: After brewing tea,…

Many teapot enthusiasts choose to use purple clay teapots when drinking tea, one reason being that over time, with the continuous soaking in tea water, they become smooth and lustrous, which is referred to as “forming a patina.” ▲ A lustrous patina Thus, nurturing the teapot becomes a subject of study for every user and lover of these teapots. However, upon closer examination, we can discern three levels of nurturing a purple clay teapot. Let's delve into them. 1. Seeking But Not Achieving "Seeking but not achieving" is something many novice teapot enthusiasts encounter. Despite trying various methods, the teapot shows no change or fails to develop a beautiful patina. ▲ Tea stains on the bottom of the pot In previous articles, we have analyzed that this can be due to several reasons: Reasons related to the teapot itself: Novice enthusiasts may have purchased slip-cast or hand-pulled teapots or teapots made from inferior clay, all of which can lead to failure in developing a patina. Reasons related to the method of nurturing: For example, failing to clean tea residue regularly or allowing the teapot to come into contact with oil, which can result in uneven coloring on the teapot body.…

Celadon, the pinnacle of glory in the history of Chinese ceramics, and Plums Green is the finest of celadons. How many are enchanted by that lustrous verdure? On scorching summer days, tea is most appropriate. Prepare a set of Plums Green celadon tea wares. Just one glance brings a sense of coolness. The Plums Green celadon evokes memories of green plums hanging from branches on rainy early summer days at first sight. This fresh and elegant aura easily stirs memories of youth. Green glaze is the earliest colored glaze in China. The yellowish-green glaze of proto-porcelain during the Shang and Zhou dynasties marked the early stage of green glaze. By the Han dynasty, pure green glazed porcelain had been produced. By the Tang dynasty, it reached perfection and was acclaimed as "the verdure of a thousand peaks." Plums Green, the finest of celadons; and celadon, the pinnacle of glory in ceramic history. The Plums Green glaze has a gray base tone, with hues of green and blue, the glaze layer is thick like congealed fat, and the glaze surface is lustrous and clear. Its beauty cannot be fully appreciated at first glance, and its charm is indescribable. The exquisite Plums…

A few days ago, a tea enthusiast asked me: how to select a purple clay pot for brewing Pu'er? I will share some common knowledge regarding this topic today. Pot Capacity On this issue, everyone's opinion is relatively consistent. The capacity of the purple clay pot used for brewing Pu'er tea is generally larger than that used for brewing Oolong tea. This is because the leaves of Yunnan large-leaf tea are relatively large. A larger pot allows the leaves to fully expand and release their intrinsic substances. On the other hand, small pots are preferred for Oolong tea to extract its aroma, so the pot cannot be large. A pot of about 180 milliliters (ml) to 200 ml is generally suitable for brewing Pu'er. Of course, a larger pot can also be chosen depending on the number of people drinking. ▲ Qin Quan Pot, No. 4 Well Composite Ore, 300 cc 02 Pot Shape Selection A pot with a large neck and full ear bucket is suitable for brewing Pu'er tea. The water outlet must be good, with a straight spout, and a sword spout is best. The lid opening should not be too small, as a small opening is…

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 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…

Instructor Introduction Wang Lin Wang Lin is a teacher at Ziyang Vocational Education Center in Shaanxi Province, an outstanding instructor in the Shaanxi Provincial Secondary Vocational Skills Competition, and a top teacher at the municipal level in Ankang. She is also a national-level tea-tasting technician and tea art technician, as well as a senior etiquette trainer certified by the China Vocational Training Association. Wang has won third place in the national skills competition for teachers, first place in the Shaanxi Provincial skills competition for teachers, and first place in the Shaanxi Provincial secondary vocational school micro-course competition. Selection of Tea Utensils 01 Fusion of Tea, Water, and Fire "Tea is nourished by water, water is given form through vessels, and the infusion is completed with fire. All four are essential and cannot be absent." The importance of tea utensils was mentioned by tea lover Xu Chishu in his work "Tea Notes" as early as the Ming Dynasty. From this, we can see that choosing the right utensil to brew good tea is very important, as the correct choice often enhances the nature of the tea; conversely, it can alter the taste of the tea. Advantages of Glass Cups and Covered…

  The story of Shanghai’s famous teapot collector and purple clay artisan, Xu Sihai, and his decades-long obsession with teapot collection is a popular topic. His first foray into collecting purple clay teapots dates back to the 1970s. Once, at a flea market, he spotted an old purple clay teapot. It was a large, antique-style pot made of purple clay, with a shiny, smooth surface, indicating it had some age. On one side of the pot were two lines of poetry: "When guests visit on a cold night, tea serves as wine; the bamboo stove boils water as the fire turns red." On the other side was an engraving of an elderly man leisurely reading and brewing tea under a tree. Upon flipping the pot over and examining the seal on the bottom, it appeared to be a fine piece from the Yongzheng era of the Qing dynasty. Xu Sihai asked the vendor how much it cost. The vendor quoted a price of 500 yuan. This amount was quite staggering at the time, as a worker's monthly salary was only around forty to fifty yuan. Xu Sihai searched all his pockets and could only muster up a little more than…

Purple clay teapots are considered the best among tea wares, perfect for brewing tea as they neither overpower the aroma nor introduce a cooked taste, which is why many people prefer using them. While enjoying your purple clay teapot, it's important to "nurture" it properly. A well-nurtured teapot will have a warm and dignified appearance, exuding a subtle elegance. Neglect, however, can result in an unsightly sheen or uneven coloring, ruining the beauty of the teapot.Let's discuss some key points to remember when nurturing your teapot.1. After use, the purple clay teapot must be cleaned thoroughly; do not allow tea residue to accumulate. The unique dual-pore structure of purple clay teapots allows them to absorb tea flavors, but you should not leave tea leaves in the pot just to nurture it. Over time, this can lead to the buildup of tea scale, also known as "tea mountain," which is unhygienic.2. When using the teapot, it's best to use a tray or place a mat under the teapot. Many enthusiasts place their teapots directly on a tea tray, and when pouring water or tea, the liquid often spills over the bottom of the teapot. If not cleaned regularly, the bottom of…

Zisha teapots can be works of art, but they are also practical tools. The water flow from a teapot directly affects its quality. Therefore, the type of spout hole becomes one of the considerations for some when selecting a teapot. The types of spout holes in zisha teapots have generally been divided into three categories throughout history. Single Hole The single hole first appeared during the Ming and Qing dynasties and is commonly found in antique shapes and smaller capacity teapots. The single hole provides the largest outlet for water flow, resulting in a powerful pour. Single Hole However, if handled roughly during use, tea leaves can easily enter the spout hole, causing blockages and disrupting the water flow. In earlier years, most teapot-making tools were made of bamboo, and spout holes were difficult to handle, often being created as single holes due to the high difficulty of their production. As a result, older teapots typically feature single holes, which are now relatively rare. Gauze Hole The gauze hole is one of the most common types today, with varying numbers of holes (seven, nine, fourteen, etc.). Because of the multiple holes, it filters out most tea leaves, ensuring a smooth…

"Handmade" Purple Clay teapots can perhaps be understood as follows: apart from very low-quality "slipcast pots" (a method similar to metal casting), all Purple Clay teapots are handmade. It's more appropriate to say that the body of the teapot, lid, and knob are all handmade rather than simply stating "fully handmade teapot." The term "handmade teapot" now is either a popular catchphrase or one used by sellers to intentionally blur the lines for sales purposes. When delved into, "handmade teapot" generally refers to a Purple Clay teapot made without the use of molds. As Purple Clay teapots receive increasing attention across society, new concepts have emerged in the Purple Clay world. The classification and naming of clay materials already make people feel lost, and in recent years, the concept of "handmade teapots" has appeared. In the market, it is common to see descriptions such as "handcrafted" or "purely handcrafted" being used to justify the price of teapots. Such statements are so bold that even the old artisans who traditionally used molds to make Purple Clay teapots would feel ashamed. How should we understand "handmade teapots"? By its name, fully handmade means entirely crafted by hand. So, is a teapot made…

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…

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…

Veteran pot enthusiasts, when examining a pot,always pay particular attention to the bottom of the purple clay pot.What is so important about the pot bottom?Why can experts determine the quality of the pot just by looking at its bottom? The pot bottom hides a lot of unknown information.Hence, when examining a pot, one must look at its bottom!Dabin's pots feature bamboo knife wet engravings and seals; in the era of Man Sheng's pots, seals were abandoned, and now, in addition to seals on the pot bottoms, inscriptions are also added, sometimes even poems that harmonize with the pot's theme. The importance of the pot bottom has become increasingly prominent. Today, we will reveal the secrets of the pot bottom! Types of Pot BottomsPot bottoms come in square and round shapes, concave and convex, flat, ring feet, and raised feet, as well as ribbed patterns and tree stump forms. They can be roughly divided into plain bottoms, pressed bottoms, added bottoms (ring feet), and nail feet. There are two methods of joining: visible join and hidden join. Pots with straight and angular shapes are suitable for visible joins, while those with rounded and simple shapes are better suited for hidden joins.…

The greatest charm of a purple clay teapot lies in its collectible value. A well-made and aesthetically pleasing purple clay teapot, cared for with the right methods over time, will see its value increase gradually as time goes by. Works by renowned masters are particularly sought after, as the saying goes: "What use are earthly jewels, compared to a single ball of clay from Yangxin." This has led some unscrupulous merchants to produce fake purple clay teapots in pursuit of profit.In particular, "ghost-made" teapots have been a hot topic in recent years. Those familiar with teapots can easily distinguish them, but newcomers who are not in the know still find it difficult to tell the difference! When you see a purple clay teapot, start by comparing it to the artist's classic styles or similar models, analyzing aspects such as material used, forming technique, effort put into the work, and artistic style:Material: If the artist is skilled in making purple clay teapots, they usually pay close attention to the materials used. They have personal preferences when it comes to choosing clay and would not use unfamiliar materials. Forming Technique: This refers to the artist's forming habits, which leave traces on the…