Teaware

When everyone first starts playing with purple clay teapots, they know nothing about the colorful varieties of purple clay. Then they gradually learn about types like purple clay, duan clay, red clay, and so on. At first, they think they've become proficient, but then they discover names like purple eggplant clay, old purple clay, red skin dragon, black star soil, golden duan, and more... which leaves them even more confused. I dare say that most enthusiasts are still at this stage: constantly exploring and collecting an endless variety of purple clay types. However, if you continue to delve deeper, you'll find that all the different types of clay are just derivatives or coexisting clays of the initial few types. They're only given different names due to differences in the color of the ore, the location of the mine, and the final color of the finished product. 1. Purple clay includes types like bottom groove clear (Dicaoqing) and old purple clay. The color range primarily spans from brownish yellow, brownish red, to chocolate colors. When assessing whether it's good quality material, pay attention to the particles. Personally, I believe that relatively correct purple clay materials will usually have a grainy feel,…

"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…

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 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.…

Many teapot enthusiasts snub half-handmade teapots and are eager to acquire fully handmade ones. But what are the actual differences between these two crafting methods? Differences Between Fully Handmade and Half-Handmade (1) Firstly, from a craft perspective: Half-Handmade: These teapots still involve manual work. Simply put: First type: The spout, handle, and lid are handcrafted while the body is made using a mold. Second type: The body is handmade while other parts are made with molds. Third type: The entire teapot is formed using molds, so half-handmade teapots can also be called mold-made teapots. Fully Handmade: This involves using tools without molds to create a teapot, making the process more challenging and time-consuming. (2) Half-Handmade Teapots Cannot Be Mass Replicated Indefinitely Some enthusiasts worry that half-handmade teapots can be endlessly replicated using molds. In reality, half-handmade teapots still contain the maker's creativity and are unique. For example, the Ti Bi Teapot by Gu Jingzhou and the Curved Teapot by Wang Yinxian both use molds for shaping. Even contemporary masters or senior artisans cannot achieve the same effect when using the same molds. Some teapots, especially those with intricate designs, cannot be crafted without molds. (3) From a Practical and Collectible…

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

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, due to their unique material and manufacturing process, have natural pores between the particles of clay, which makes them breathable but not watertight, very suitable for brewing tea. But does achieving a good patina have anything to do with the type of tea? Does more expensive tea necessarily lead to a better-looking patina? In fact, the quality of the tea has nothing to do with the patina. It is related to the type of tea and the method used to nurture the pot, rather than the cost of the tea determining the quality of the patina. Oily teas, such as Tieguanyin, release oils during brewing that gradually permeate the surface of the pot, leading to the formation of a patina in a relatively short time, giving it an ancient and lustrous appearance. Teas like ripe Pu'er, black tea, and Tieguanyin are particularly effective for nurturing the pot. When nurturing the pot, there are two methods: one is external nurturing, where tea soup is poured over the pot body, allowing the pot to absorb the tea, then hot water is poured over it, and finally, the pot is wiped clean with a tea cloth, ensuring no tea stains…

In most people's minds, antiques are valuable and have the potential to appreciate in value. Thus, many believe that this is also the case when it comes to collecting purple clay teapots. Graphics and Text | Sandhai Mo Yun To date, the earliest known and dated purple clay teapot discovered was the "Wu Jing Tiliang" unearthed in Nanjing in 1965. Purple clay teapots from the Ming and Qing dynasties are certainly "antiques" compared to modern ones. Ming Dynasty Wu Jing Tiliang But does that mean that all Ming and Qing dynasty teapots are valuable? The answer is clearly no. Only those Ming and Qing dynasty teapots that meet certain necessary conditions can be considered valuable "antiques." Below, Xiao Yun will analyze what makes a Ming and Qing dynasty teapot valuable (necessary conditions). 01 A Genuine Ming or Qing Dynasty Teapot When considering whether a Ming or Qing dynasty teapot is valuable, the first step is to determine if it is truly an old teapot rather than a modern imitation of an old one. Faux-Aged Imitation Teapot There are now people who specifically collect old teapots, leading to a significant number of fake old teapots on the market. Some individuals even…

    This is truly an era that breeds "cute masters," even teapots are getting in on the act! After seeing these various adorable forms of teapots, you guys have to hold it together! ▎Piano Teapot When using this "piano teapot" for brewing tea, don't get so lost in playing the piano that you neglect the aroma of the tea! Elegant teaware and European-style lamps, but what's even more captivating is this graceful piano. Accompanied by music, sipping afternoon tea, how delightful! ▎Dining Table Teapot Tasty desserts and an adorable dining table, you shouldn't actually sit down to have breakfast! This is a teapot! Does tea brewed with a dining table teapot taste even better? ▎Toilet Teapot Would you dare to drink tea brewed in a toilet? Of course, because it's a toilet-shaped teapot. This teapot is very creative, and many people wonder what the tea tastes like. ▎Balcony Teapot On the balcony in the afternoon, basking in the spring breeze, smelling the flowers, and sipping afternoon tea—how nice! With this balcony teapot, you can achieve this! Because the afternoon tea it brews is full of artistic flair. ▎Warm Bed Teapot Cute little bears, a luxurious warm bed, how comfortable. But upon…

A teapot enthusiast asked a few days ago, "Why are purple clay teapots called such?" What exactly does the term "clay" refer to, and what role does it play in a purple clay teapot? 1: What Exactly Does "Clay" Refer To In Purple Clay? 1. Quartz particles (as shown by the white dots in the image below). This is according to the academic school of thought; 2. The physical cohesion of purple clay, as per the experiential school of thought. When discussing with others, it is essential first to clarify which concept is being referred to; otherwise, heated debates can ensue, with the experiential school thinking the academic one knows nothing, and the academic school viewing the experiential one as ignorant. The "double-pore structure" of purple clay is closely related to its quartz content. The "purple" refers to color, while the "clay" refers to its nature. When a purple clay teapot breaks, you can examine its fractured surface to clearly discern its unique structure. During firing, carbonate in the clay decomposes, releasing carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide gases that form bubbles. Some of these bubbles connect, forming an open "chain-like pore cluster," while others remain isolated within aggregates of quartz…

While brewing tea with a purple clay pot is great, it can lead to the accumulation of tea scale. During the process of nurturing the pot, frequent brewing inevitably leaves tea residue inside the pot. Many enthusiasts believe that the tea scale is an accumulated essence over time, and with this layer of tea scale, even pouring boiling water into the purple clay pot will result in a faint tea fragrance when poured out. However, the truth is that not cleaning the tea scale can easily lead to bacterial growth, which is detrimental to health. So, how can you clean the pot without removing the patina? Below are instructions on how to clean the tea scale inside a purple clay pot without damaging the patina. Step 1 Place one spoonful of edible baking soda (bicarbonate of soda) into the pot, pour in boiling water (100°C) (remember to warm the pot first), fill the pot to the brim, and then cover it with the lid. Step 2 After waiting for about two or three minutes, gently scrub the inside of the pot with a pot-nurturing cloth or a soft-bristled brush. You will see the tea scale turn into yellow water flowing…

 1. The flavor and color of tea brewed in a purple clay cup is rich and fragrant, and it never tastes like boiled water. This is unmatched by any other type of teaware, and the tea will remain fresh for several days even in hot summer. Purple clay cups do not overpower the aroma of the tea nor impart a cooked taste. Therefore, when used to brew tea, they preserve its natural color, aroma, and flavor. 2. Porous purple clay cups can absorb tea residue, and over time, they accumulate "tea rust." As a result, even when empty, pouring boiling water into the cup releases a tea fragrance. 3. They are easy to clean. If left unused for a while and an odor develops, simply rinse the cup with boiling water two or three times, then pour out the cold water before using it to brew tea, which will retain its original flavor. 4. They have excellent thermal shock resistance. Even in the depths of winter, pouring boiling water into the cup does not cause it to crack due to sudden temperature changes. Additionally, the porous material conducts heat slowly, so the cup remains comfortable to hold. 5. They are…

Often, teapot enthusiasts will send me pictures on WeChat asking, "Mr. Chen, how is the clay of this teapot? Is it good?" When buying or enjoying teapots, one must consider the quality of the clay. However, there are many different opinions about what constitutes good clay, and this can be confusing. Many people struggle with this issue. But if you love teapots, you will eventually have to face this question. It can be difficult, but at the same time, it can also be easy. No matter what type of clay is used, excellent clay will always have certain distinct features. For those of us who love, buy, and enjoy teapots, identifying these features is not too hard. A good teapot should first look comfortable, with a natural and restrained luster. The luster of a Purple Clay Teapot is referred to as having a "subdued glow," meaning that its sheen is restrained and appears to emanate from within, very soft and pleasing to the eye. This matte finish is known in the industry as "water color," and good clay will definitely have a fine water color. When you gently stroke the surface of the teapot, you will find that good Purple…

The weight of a purple clay teapot is generally related to the pot-making technique. Firstly, enthusiasts should understand that a purple clay teapot is formed by shaping clay slabs. Thus, its weight is determined by the thickness of these clay slabs. Typically, the thickness of the clay slab is around 2 to 3 millimeters. A teapot that is too thick is often an issue encountered by apprentice or novice pot makers due to their inability to consistently control the thickness of the clay slab, resulting in some areas being thinner and others thicker. Generally, teapots made by beginners tend to be heavier. If a teapot is too heavy, it can be strenuous to lift when filled with water for tea brewing, making it inconvenient to use. Some believe that the more substantial a purple clay teapot is, the better value it represents; others think that a lighter teapot indicates a thinner wall, suggesting superior craftsmanship... Thick-walled teapots align with the rustic and solid texture of traditional purple clay teapots. The body has sufficient strength to withstand unexpected external forces, ensuring longevity. In contrast, thin-walled teapots are priced higher due to their excellent breathability, difficulty in firing, and the high level…

Poetry can become an obsession, as can martial arts, describing someone who is so fond of a hobby that they are in a state of infatuation, behaving quite differently from normal people. In the world of purple clay teapots, there are also such people! Symptom One: Using Tools to Play with the Teapot 01. Using a magnifying glass (to check for scratches or sand popping out) 02. Using a compass (to check if the spout or lid is perfectly round) 03. Or a ruler (to check the alignment of three points) 04. Or a timer (to check how many seconds it takes to pour out all the water) 05. Or a measuring cup (for example, the certificate might say 200cc, but the actual measurement might be 190cc or 215cc) and other tools to measure the accuracy of the teapot. Is this a bit obsessive? While most people wouldn’t do this, there are certainly some so-called teapot experts who have these habits. Making teapots isn’t easy, so we suggest that those with this habit be cautious when buying teapots. Handmade items are not machines and cannot be perfect; perhaps handmade teapots are not suitable for you. Using a 100x magnifying glass…

For those who love to drink tea, it's natural to explore various tea wares. Tea enthusiasts who own both purple clay teapots and gaiwans may notice differences when using them to steep the same tea – in terms of aroma, color of the tea liquor, and taste. To understand why there are differences in taste, we need to look at the characteristics of purple clay teapots and gaiwans. [Gaiwan] A gaiwan is a traditional Chinese tea ware consisting of a lid, a base, and a bowl. It is also known as the "Three-Talent Bowl" or "Three-Talent Cup," symbolizing heaven with the lid, earth with the base, and humanity with the bowl, embodying the concept of harmony between heaven, earth, and man. The most common type of gaiwan is made of white porcelain, which has a dense body and thick glaze. Feature 1: White Porcelain Does Not Retain Flavors Due to its unique material, white porcelain preserves the purest flavor of the tea but also retains any impurities in the leaves. Feature 2: Easy to Maintain Since white porcelain does not retain flavors, it is easy to clean and can be used for various types of tea without worrying about flavor…

How many years can a purple clay teapot be used for? Does a purple clay teapot have a lifespan? There is no limit to the number of years you can use a purple clay teapot. As long as it doesn't get chipped or broken, if well-maintained, it can be used indefinitely. What affects the lifespan of a purple clay teapot? I. Dropping Purple clay teapots are particularly vulnerable to drops. Once ceramic products are damaged, they cannot be restored to their original state – even if repaired using techniques like porcelain joining or kintsugi, only an imperfect beauty will remain. So how do you prevent dropping? When pouring tea, place another finger on the lid or knob, and avoid making large movements. The teapot should not leave your hand during the process of pouring tea. Many times, lids fall off while pouring tea. Avoid imitating the tricks teapot sellers play, such as the lid not falling off or standing the lid and spout upside down. These are deceptive gimmicks that could accidentally ruin your beloved teapot, which would be counterproductive. Place the teapot in a high spot or cabinet where children cannot reach it, and do not let clumsy people…

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

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…

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…

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…

Many pot enthusiasts cherish their Yixing clay pots, yet they may be unclear or even completely ignorant about the relevant knowledge. Here are some essential facts about Yixing clay pots that are commonly asked by enthusiasts, which we would like to share with everyone. ① Why do Yixing clay pots made from the same type of Dicong Qing have different colors? The color can vary due to differences in firing times and temperatures, among other factors. As a result, even clay sourced from the same location can produce Yixing clay pots of different colors when fired. As shown in the following image (taken at the China Yixing Ceramic Museum), there are color variations even among samples of the same type of Dicong Qing clay. ② Does a lack of an inner stamp always mean the pot is not handmade? This is not necessarily true. Some individual artisans have different habits, and there are handmade pots without inner stamps. The presence or absence of an internal stamp cannot directly determine whether a Yixing clay pot is entirely handmade; it needs to be evaluated holistically. As a beginner, you don't need to worry about whether the pot is fully handmade or partially…

Last July, collector Liu Yiqian purchased the “Meiyintang Collection Ming Dynasty Chenghua Imperial Chicken Cup” for HK$280 million and, in his excitement, used it to take a sip of Pu'er tea. This most expensive sip of tea in history has been the subject of much discussion. "The emperor's wine goblet, the tycoon's teacup." Today we will talk about this priceless "Chicken Cup." The Chicken Cup was originally an exquisite wine vessel and served as the personal wine cup of the Ming Dynasty Chenghua Emperor. It has a flared rim, shallow belly, and a splayed foot. The cup is decorated with a doucai painting of roosters, hens, and chicks, interspersed with rocks, orchids, and peonies, hence the name Chicken Cup. The doucai Chicken Cup from the Ming Chenghua period once enjoyed great fame. Every dynasty during the Qing era produced imitations, with those made during the Kangxi and Yongzheng reigns being the best, almost indistinguishable from the real thing. The Qing dynasty author Zhu Yan wrote in his book Ceramics Lore: "The best products of the Cheng kiln were the five-colored wares, and among wine cups, the Chicken Cup was the finest. During the reign of the Wanli Emperor, a single…