Teaware

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…

Often, newcomers will ask, "Is this Duan clay teapot a purple clay teapot?"This may be because they have just started to learn about purple clay teapots and do not understand the meaning of purple clay materials, assuming that Duan clay is not a type of purple clay. Purple clay materials are broadly divided into three categories: Purple Clay, Duan Clay, and Red Clay. The Purple Clay category can be further subdivided into: Bottom Groove Clear, Middle Groove Clear, Pure Purple Clay, Old Purple Clay, etc. Under the Duan Clay category, we can find: Original Mountain Duan, Original Mountain Green Clay, Golden Duan, Old Duan, Blue Duan, etc. The Red Clay category includes: Small Red Clay, Zhu (Imperial Red) Clay, Dahongpao (Big Red Robe), etc.One might then ask: Is Purple Clay better than Duan Clay or Zhu (Imperial Red) Clay? The quality of a purple clay teapot does not have an absolute relationship with its clay material; it depends instead on its craftsmanship and the beauty of its shape. If all the materials come from the original mine, there is no simple distinction between good and bad among Purple Clay, Duan Clay, and Zhu (Imperial Red) Clay. Instead, different clays are…

The shape of the teapot is a crucial factor in determining the capacity of a purple clay teapot.Some shapes are delicate and elegant, suitable for being made into medium or small size teapots, such as the West Lady, Horizontal Level, and Siting Pavilion shapes, etc. If they were forcibly made into large or super-large sizes, would they retain their charm?Some shapes are majestic and imposing, suitable for being made into large or super-large size teapots, such as the Han Dynasty Square, Quadrangular Jade Seal, and Han Dynasty Roof Tile shapes, etc.If they were forcibly made into small teapots, would they still exude their presence?It is precisely because of this inherent quality that we can see millions of different shapes, each with its unique characteristics.Those who love purple clay teapots will certainly encounter this problem: having acquired large, medium, and small teapots, how should one pair and use large and small teapots in daily life to ensure they are all used equally? Small teapots are convenient to carry and can be taken on business trips in your bag.They can be brought to tea houses for morning tea, hidden in office drawers for a quick tea break. They are easy to handle…

The red clay teapot is known for its lustrous and graceful appearance, particularly in smaller sizes. It is regarded as an elegant lady from a distinguished family by collectors and is highly favored by enthusiasts. Red Clay Companion Chrysanthemum TeapotThere are many different types of teapots on the market today, all claiming to be made of red clay. Some have very bright colors while others are more subdued, making it difficult to distinguish between genuine and fake ones.What does a genuine "red clay" purple clay teapot look like?What is Red Clay?In Yixing's clay deposits, there is a type of ore called "tender clay," which is found in mountainous areas around Dingshu Town. The red clay ore is located at the lowest layer of this tender clay deposit. Raw Ochre Clay from Zhaozhuang and Firing Test PiecesLater, based on differences in the original layers and degree of weathering, the red clay was classified into ochre clay, small red clay, and large red robe clay, among others. Ochre clay is considered the finest of the red clays and has a higher iron content than other purple clay materials.False Red Clay Teapots1. The teapot shown below is a vivid red and has a…

Due to being part of the same Eastern cultural sphere, Japanese tea wares emphasize connotations just like those in China. This piece shares content from Chapter Five of “Tea Pleasures in Variegated Colours: The Spread of Chinese Tea and Foreign Tea Affairs,” written by Yu Yue and published by Guangming Daily Press in August 1999. Since the 13th century, the custom of drinking tea has been widespread in Japan. After Kato Saemon studied porcelain making in our country and returned home, he began to pay attention to the porcelain industry. Kato, also known as Tojirō, settled in Seto, where generations of potters have maintained the traditional production of Seto ware. In 1510, Goro-taifu came to Jingdezhen, China, to study porcelain manufacturing and returned to Japan in 1515. He brought back the techniques and materials needed for producing blue-and-white porcelain from Jingdezhen, setting up a kiln in Arita, known for its clay, marking the beginning of porcelain production in Japan. While in China, he went by the pseudonym Wu Yangrui, and the porcelain he made was also called Xiangrui. These products were limited to using Chinese techniques and materials without significant innovation but later became rare and expensive porcelain. By the…

1. Old pots are always better than new ones. This statement is incorrect. Firstly, old pots from the Ming and Qing dynasties, if not made by famous artists, are inferior to modern purple clay works in terms of both clay quality and craftsmanship. This is because the techniques for mining, refining clay, and the tools used for making pots were not as advanced at that time. Secondly, so-called 'First Factory' or 'Cultural Revolution' era pots, which were made using gas kilns, do not have particularly distinctive clays. Many of these clays are still available today. 2. Purple clay pots are unsuitable for brewing green tea; glass cups are definitely better. This is also incorrect. One of the reasons why purple clay pots are considered the best tea utensils is their versatility. The claim that they cannot be used for green tea is based on the idea that they would oversteep the tea. However, purple clay pots made from dun clay with good breathability, wide openings, and fast pouring shapes are very suitable for brewing green tea. For those who prefer to watch the tea leaves unfurl, a glass cup can be used, but it is certainly possible to brew green…

Throughout the development of tea history, the relationship between tea culture and tea wares can be directly attributed to the impact of tea culture on the evolution of tea wares. After all, the development of tea wares has progressed step by step based on the foundation of tea culture. So, how has tea culture influenced the development of tea wares and tea ware culture over time? Several thousand years ago, tea leaves came into existence. At this time, tea wares were not specifically used for brewing tea but were used together with wine utensils and other vessels. This situation persisted for thousands of years. After the Tang Dynasty, due to economic prosperity and people's pursuit of spiritual civilization, tea wares emerged. The tea at that time was usually in the form of compressed cakes, and the commonly used tea wares were made of ceramics. It is worth noting that glass tea wares had already appeared by then, but due to technological limitations, they did not develop further during the subsequent feudal dynasties. After the establishment of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang abolished compressed cakes in favor of loose leaf tea, which directly propelled the rapid development of purple clay teapots.…

 When purchasing a purple clay pot, enthusiasts usually fear two things the most: first, buying a fake purple clay pot, and second, buying one made with chemical additives. So how do you choose a good purple clay pot? Look at the Texture Pure purple clay pots have a restrained luster, a texture like warm jade, a stable color, and an aged appearance. With high-quality clay, you can see the effects of use within half a month. Pots made from clay with chemical additives show little change no matter how much they are used; they remain dry. Although they can create a so-called mung bean paste effect, the surface glaze (due to the addition of wood shaving water, also known as quartz water) prevents the tea water from being absorbed, and oils from handling cannot penetrate the surface. Thus, such pots will not develop a patina. Check the Water Absorption Genuine purple clay pots, except for red clay and some dun clay varieties, generally have strong water absorption properties. This is why it's often said that tea brewed in a purple clay pot tastes better than in other types of teapots. Pots made from clay with chemical additives typically lack water…

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.…

It is often said that nurturing a purple clay teapot requires dedication. But how should one be dedicated? And where does one start? We have summarized seven aspects for you, commonly known as the "Seven Hearts of Nurturing a Teapot." Happy Heart: Treat it as an interest in life. It can enrich your leisure time and help you learn more about traditional Chinese culture. Approach the art of purple clay with a positive attitude, leading a simple yet fulfilling life. Careful Heart: Prevent knocks and bumps. Purple clay teapots are valuable, and any damage significantly reduces their worth. Besides the financial loss, it's also distressing to see a damaged teapot, even after repair. Calm Heart: Avoid being hasty or impatient. One day external care, the next day internal care, today oolong tea, tomorrow black tea; such inconsistency won't yield good results. Personally, I believe that nurturing a teapot is a process, primarily about enjoying the insights gained and the sense of achievement from the changes in the teapot. Ordinary Heart: No matter the value of the teapot, it has practical use. Don't neglect a less expensive teapot; treat it carelessly. Purple clay, even though abundant, is a non-renewable resource. By…

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…

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…

Pu'er shengcha is a treasure in the hearts of tea enthusiasts. To truly appreciate its unique flavor and rich aroma, mastering the correct brewing method is essential. Whether you're a tea art novice or an experienced tea lover, this article will provide you with the most detailed and friendly guide to brewing Pu'er shengcha. (Image source: network, delete upon request) Understanding Your Pu'er Shengcha Before brewing, it's key to understand the basic information about the tea. Pu'er shengcha undergoes natural fermentation, giving it a unique fragrance and taste. Its leaves are typically large, greenish in color, and have a fresh, natural aroma. The quality of Pu'er shengcha is closely related to its origin, harvest time, and storage duration, so when purchasing, choose reliable brands and channels. Preparation: Utensils and Water There are many options for brewing Pu'er shengcha, including covered bowls, purple clay pots, and glass teapots. Each type has its unique advantages, but the most important thing is to choose utensils that you feel comfortable using and can fully showcase the characteristics of the tea. The quality of water greatly influences the tea infusion. Ideally, the water should be clean, odorless, and have moderate mineral content. The best choice…

Since its inception during the Ming Dynasty and flourishing in the Qing Dynasty, the Zisha teapot has developed for hundreds of years, with countless shapes. The most classic teapots are not only appreciated for their beautiful designs but also for their unique cultural connotations that resonate with many enthusiasts. Among them, there are ten classic Zisha teapot shapes, each with its own story or symbolism, conveying profound and enduring truths that elucidate the philosophy of life. 【Stone Spout】— Temperance The Stone Spout is a traditional classic style of Zisha teapot, elegant and upright. It is said that the original name was Stone Kettle, but during the Republic of China period, Mr. Jingzhou suggested the meaning "Of all the water in the world, I will drink but one cup," renaming it the Stone Spout Teapot, which has been used ever since. The Stone Spout tells us to be content with what we have and not to be overly greedy. Material desires are never fully satisfied, "With a thousand acres of fertile land, one can eat no more than three bowls per meal. With ten thousand rooms, one can sleep in no more than one bed." Excessive possessions burden us. 【Imitation Ancient】—…

Chinese people enjoy sipping tea, with the tea culture being passed down for thousands of years. The main components of tea culture include the evaluation techniques of tea leaves, artistic operation methods, appreciation of the tea-drinking environment, etc. The entire process of tea drinking is imbued with a beautiful ambiance, and in this overall process, tea utensils, as the foundation, are indispensable. Alongside the millennial development history of tea culture, the evolution of tea utensils can be said to be a beautiful landscape in its own right. The Tang Dynasty was the first peak in the history of ceramic development in China, and the flourishing of tea drinking at this time also spurred the development of tea utensils. During this period, tea utensils had a broader field for development. Archaeological excavations at kiln sites prove that, in addition to kilns such as Yue Kiln, Ding Kiln, Wuzhou Kiln, Yuezhou Kiln, Shouzhou Kiln, and Hongzhou Kiln, Northern kilns like Xing Kiln, Quyang Kiln, Gongxian Kiln, and Southern kilns like Jingdezhen Kiln, Changsha Kiln, and Qionglai Kiln were also producing tea utensils in large quantities at the time. This sufficiently demonstrates the close integration of ancient Chinese ceramic culture with traditional tea…

How can you clean your teapot without damaging the patina? Today, I'll teach you a practical little trick. Cleaning Trick for Your Teapot 1. Take one spoonful of edible baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and put it into the pot. Pour in boiling water at 100 degrees Celsius, fill the pot to the brim, and then cover it with the lid. 2. Wait for about ten minutes, then gently scrub the inside of the pot with a soft-bristled brush. You will see the tea stains turn into yellow water flowing out. The cleaned pot will shine like new. If you feel it hasn't been thoroughly cleaned after the first attempt, you can soak it for a bit longer and scrub again, but be sure to use a soft brush to avoid damaging the pot. Note: To prevent damage to the patina, when soaking the pot, only fill it with the alkaline water as you would with tea. Do not submerge the entire pot in a large container filled with alkaline water. This could easily remove the oily substances on the outside of the pot, which are necessary for developing a good patina. Purple Clay Teapot Care Tips In addition to the…

The Drum-bellied Handle Pot and the square seal on the bottom reading “Made by Shao Yunsi” Early purple clay pots were mostly handle pots, as they were not used for steeping tea, but rather as water-heating utensils. With a handle, it was convenient to place them over fire or on a stove. Purple clay handle pots have been excavated from Song Dynasty kiln sites in Yangjiaoshan, Yixing, and the earliest dated purple clay pot in the Nanjing Museum collection is also a handle pot. It is said that Zhao Liang, one of the four great masters of the Ming Dynasty, specialized in making purple clay handle pots, but actual examples are hard to find. Some may exist without his mark, leaving their attribution uncertain. After the late Ming Dynasty, purple clay pots began to be used directly for steeping tea, but the handle did not disappear. To this day, handle pots are preserved as traditional purple clay forms. The pot shown in the figure is a purple clay handle pot, measuring 13.4 cm tall overall, with a flush-fitting lid, a flattened round knob, and a three-curved spout. Its body is shaped like a drum, both the lid and the base…

When we talk about purple clay, our first impression is likely to be that most iconic object – the purple clay teapot. Elegant and refined, delicately beautiful, they seem to belong exclusively to scholars and gentlemen. Only in their hands can purple clay transcend the ordinary and emit its unique charm. The origin of purple clay is hard to trace, but it is generally believed by modern people that it gained popularity during the Ming Dynasty. Taking Yixing purple clay as a representative, over several hundred years, the production of purple clay has undergone countless transformations. In terms of shape, temperament, color, and spirit, it exudes an irresistible aura of scholarly grace. As a container, it lacks the luster of pottery and the sharpness of porcelain. It is formed using various components including red clay and purple clay, then fired, resulting in a smooth texture. Carving elegant and rustic poetry and images onto the surface of the purple clay enhances its appearance, blending form and function perfectly. High-quality purple clay teapots even appear semi-transparent when light shines through them. Moreover, tea made in vessels crafted from this material allows one to savor the original flavor of the tea without alteration.…

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.…

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…

When we generally categorize the capacity of a purple clay pot, there are typically five classifications: pots of 100cc or less are considered extra small; those over 100cc but under 200cc are called small; those from 200cc to 350cc are referred to as medium. Pots from 350cc to 600cc are classified as large, and those over 600cc are considered extra large. For one person, a small pot around 100cc or a pot around 200cc would be suitable, depending on your tea consumption. The sizes of teacups used with purple clay pots generally come in three categories: small mouth cups (about 30CC), medium mouth cups (around 50CC), and large mouth cups (approximately 90CC). The so-called golden capacity for pots is usually around 200cc to 300cc, which is ideal for two to three people to enjoy tea, as it provides just enough tea without cooling down too much. A medium-sized pot with a capacity between 200cc to 300cc suits the tea-drinking needs of most people and is also appropriate for an individual's enjoyment, hence being referred to as the "golden capacity." However, this standard is not fixed. When selecting a pot, in addition to considering the "golden capacity," other factors should be…

Yixing Zi Sha is an art form with a long history and rich appeal. The decorative arts have been developed through the research and creation of Zi Sha artisans over time. Different decorative arts have different effects when applied to different themes. This method of aligning decoration with the subject, the teapot, and the intention adds a cultural dimension to the Zi Sha teapot. The development of Zi Sha art has led to various decorative techniques, which are detailed as follows: Engraving: This is one of the main decorative techniques of Zi Sha. It uses a knife instead of a brush and engraving instead of painting, integrating poetry, calligraphy, painting, and engraving into a harmonious whole, with a strong national style and regional characteristics. Known as "Man Sheng Hu", "characters are passed down along with the teapot, and the teapot becomes valuable because of the characters," it made a historical contribution to the art of Zi Sha engraving. After the Qing Dynasty, Zi Sha engraving decoration became a specialized production process. The subjects and forms are extremely varied. Landscapes, flowers and birds, figures, and ancient patterns are all potential subjects for painting, while calligraphy is an indispensable decorative element. Regular…

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…

      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…