Teaware

Purple Clay Snubbed in Japan Japan, like China, has a long history of "tea drinking," and is even renowned worldwide for its tea ceremony. Compared to the elegance and expressiveness of Chinese tea wares, Japanese tea utensils perhaps possess a more delicate and graceful Eastern charm. Recently, I met with Cui Shaosong, a porcelain collector who studied in Japan and worked in an antique shop there for five years. Listening to his detailed account, this unfamiliar craft from a foreign land became familiar and endearing. Unlike the Chinese custom of drinking tea, the Japanese often use ceramic pots glazed both inside and outside. "Lid-lifting teapots are rare; most are side-handle teapots with spouts uniformly facing left." The Japanese indifference to traditional Chinese teaware, the purple clay teapot, was something Cui Shaosong did not expect when he was back in China. During his travels, Cui Shaosong specifically noticed that Japanese museums, brimming with Chinese treasures, had never displayed a single purple clay teapot. The purple clay teapot he brought as a gift for his Japanese friends also received a polite but lukewarm reception. "Japan has its own 'purple clay,' known as 'beni' (vermilion clay), which is very bright in color, but…

"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…

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…

Duan ni is a type of purple clay. A teapot made from duan ni is called a duan ni purple clay teapot. Duan ni can be basically divided into three types: original mine duan ni, old duan ni, and blended duan ni. Old duan ni is original mine duan ni that has undergone a certain period of aging. Golden duan and sesame duan are blended duan nis, such as sesame duan which is made by blending purple clay particles into Ben Shan green clay. Blended clay is primarily used to highlight the texture of the clay, and in recent years, many enthusiasts have come to appreciate it. The key lies in how well the blending is executed, and whether one likes it or not depends on personal aesthetic preferences. Duan ni purple clay teapots have some distinctive characteristics compared to other types of teapots. A characteristic of high-quality duan ni purple clay teapots is that the purple clay particles are not very noticeable. In Ben Shan green clay, they seem to only serve the purpose of altering its color. There are layers, like jade. Duan ni cannot be fired to achieve the pure Ben Shan green color; when fired, Ben…

While it's great to steep tea in a purple clay teapot, it can accumulate tea stains. During the process of nurturing the pot, frequent steeping inevitably leaves tea stains inside. There is a story about a wealthy man who saw an old teapot passed down through generations in a farmer's home and offered a tempting high price for it, agreeing to come back the next day to collect it. The simple farmer, seeing that the purple clay teapot was rather dirty, scrubbed it clean. However, when the wealthy man saw the freshly cleaned teapot the next day, he no longer wanted it because what he was buying was precisely the tea stains accumulated over many years. Many teapot enthusiasts share the same idea as the farmer in the story, believing that tea stains are the essence accumulated over time. With this layer of tea stains, even pouring boiling water into the purple clay teapot would result in a faint tea aroma. However, the truth is that leaving tea stains uncleaned can easily lead to bacterial growth, which is not good for health. So, how can you clean the teapot without removing the patina? Teapot Cleaning Method Many teapot enthusiasts are…

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

Black tea is a global category of tea, and Dianhong has become a famous flower among black teas due to its "high fragrance and rich flavor." Dianhong has excellent compatibility and can be enjoyed hot or cold. It can be traditionally brewed as a "clear drink," or various ingredients such as flowers and fruits can be added to the clear drink to create delicious beverages. Today, let's discuss what kind of purple clay pot is suitable for drinking Dianhong. What Kind of Purple Clay Pot Should Be Used for Drinking Dianhong? 1. Clay Type: Purple Clay and Red Clay The color of Dianhong tea is deep, so dark-colored purple clay pots made from purple clay (including bottom groove blue, clear purple clay, red skin dragon, etc.), red clay, and mixed mineral types (descending slope mud, peach blossom mud, agarwood mud) will match it more naturally. 2. Capacity Due to the fact that black tea is not compressed and is fragile when vacuumed, a purple clay pot with a capacity of around 200-250cc is suitable. If the capacity is too large, holding the pot will be strenuous, and the tea infusion will be bland. If the capacity is too small, the…

In fact, there's no universal standard for this question. Teapots made from aged clay can be nourished relatively quickly, while duan clay teapots, which have a lighter color, are harder to nourish but develop a very appealing luster once they do. Some types of clay may seem unremarkable when the teapot first comes out of the kiln, but after just a few infusions, noticeable changes start to appear, with the overall color becoming much more pronounced. How Long Does It Take to See Results When Nourishing a Teapot? If you use a zisha (purple clay) teapot daily by steeping tea in it once a day, you'll begin to see subtle changes on the surface of the pot after about a month, giving it a smoother and richer feel. After one month, the body of the pot will develop a luster that is subdued yet radiant, clearly differentiating it from a new teapot. High-quality clay may even start to form a patina before the month is up. After a year of regular use, the teapot will take on an increasingly refined appearance, exuding a unique spirit. When a zisha teapot has been properly cared for over time, it will eventually achieve…

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

The Sancai bowl is, in fact, the common lidded cup.The Sancai bowl consists of three parts: the lid, the cup, and the saucer, symbolizing the unity of heaven, earth, and humanity. It is also known as the "Sancai Cup," with a capacity ranging from 100 to 200 milliliters. Brewing tea in a lidded cup allows one to fully appreciate its color, aroma, taste, and appearance. In his essay "Drinking Tea," Mr. Lu Xun wrote: "To enjoy good tea, one should use a lidded cup. And so, using a lidded cup, the tea turned out clear and sweet, slightly fragrant yet subtly bitter—a truly fine tea." In the past, lidded cups were mostly used for brewing flower teas, but now there are no restrictions, and they can be used for all types of tea. When using a lidded cup, it can serve as an individual set for direct drinking or for brewing tea which is then shared among drinkers. Before brewing tea in a lidded cup, rinse it with boiling water first, then add the tea leaves and pour in the water. The steeping time primarily depends on the type of tea, its compactness, and tenderness, but usually ranges from 3…

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

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…

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…

The "Cultural Revolution Teapot" refers to the teapots produced by Yixing Purple Clay Craft Factory during the Cultural Revolution from 1966 to 1976. This is unique in the history of purple clay teapot development and clearly has a certain value for collection. Most imitations of "famous artists' Cultural Revolution purple clay teapots" are made based on imagination, usually with impure clay, crude craftsmanship, and unauthentic patina; especially some imitations of "famous artists' Cultural Revolution teapots" use styles not produced during the Cultural Revolution period but have the seal of contemporary famous artists inside the lid and the square seal of "China Yixing" on the bottom, making them easy to authenticate for antique collectors. Later, finely crafted imitations of "famous artists' Cultural Revolution teapots" appeared, with accurate shapes and good craftsmanship, which are more difficult to identify. To collect the "Cultural Revolution tennis ball teapot," one should open the lid and, using bright light, look into the teapot through the spout to check the "tennis ball." If it is found that the tea leaf holes are double-layered, one should be alert as this is most likely a fake "tennis ball teapot." In summary, when authenticating a "Cultural Revolution teapot," one should…

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

There are many teapot enthusiasts, but not all of them know how to protect their purple clay teapots. The maintenance of a purple clay teapot is particularly important, as it serves not only as a collectible but also has practical uses. Therefore, it's crucial to take good care of your purple clay teapot. 1. Fear of Dropping Purple clay teapots are especially afraid of being dropped. For ceramic products, once broken, they cannot be restored to their original state— even if repaired using techniques like copper riveting or kintsugi, the result will only be a kind of imperfect beauty. So how can you prevent dropping? When pouring tea, place another finger on the lid knob or lid, and avoid large movements. Keep the teapot in hand during the process of pouring tea, as many lids fall off during this time. Avoid imitating the tricks that teapot sellers perform, such as lids that don't fall off or lids standing upside down over the spout. These are deceptive gimmicks that could accidentally ruin your cherished teapot, resulting in a loss that outweighs any gain. Place the teapot in high places or inside cabinets where children can't reach it, and do not let…

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…

The four types of pots—Lotus Seed, Drum Imitation, Duetsphere, and Duet—are very similar and often confused. Let's clarify these four pot styles: As shown above, the Drum Imitation is generally the shortest among these four pots, with a handle that may have an inverted ear (a small ear-like protrusion at the end). The Lotus Seed pot is slightly taller than the Drum Imitation and also has an inverted ear on its handle. The Duetsphere pot is the tallest of the four, and its handle does not have an ear-like protrusion. The bottoms of the first three pots—Drum Imitation, Lotus Seed, and Duetsphere—are all fitted with a false bottom; looking straight down, there is no visible "foot," as the body curves directly to the bottom. The last style, the Duet pot, easily reveals its bottom, which features a "line" or "foot." This makes it relatively easy to distinguish. Its handle also lacks an ear-like protrusion. Lotus Seed The "Lotus Seed" pot shape consists of circles stacked from small to large, symbolizing the Chinese traditional meaning of "successive generations of noble offspring." Ancestral customs often use homophones for auspiciousness. The basic characteristics of the Lotus Seed pot are: overall fullness, broad shoulders…

Embrace the Magic of Flower Tea Flower tea is not just a beverage, it's a way of life. Whether you're seeking relaxation or simply enjoying its taste, brewing a cup of flower tea is a delight. Here, we will detail how to brew flower tea correctly so that you can enjoy a perfect cup every time. Select High-Quality Flower Tea Ingredients To brew a delicious cup of flower tea, you must start with high-quality ingredients. Whether it's rose, jasmine, or chrysanthemum tea, choose those with bright colors, intact petals, and rich fragrance. This ensures both great taste and additional health benefits. Prepare Suitable Water Quality and Temperature The quality of water used for brewing flower tea is crucial. It's best to use purified or mineral water to avoid the chlorine and impurities found in tap water, which can affect the taste of the tea. Water temperature is also key; different types of flower tea require varying temperatures. Generally, the ideal brewing temperature for flower tea is between 80°C and 90°C, ensuring the aroma and nutrients are preserved without being damaged. (Image source: Internet. Please delete if infringement occurs.) Master the Proper Amount of Tea Leaves The amount of tea leaves…

After the Laba Festival, the New Year atmosphere gradually thickens. At this time, tea shops in the capital also enter their peak season. Long queues for purchasing tea reappear in front of many old-established tea houses. Why do ordinary people concentrate on buying tea at the end of the year? On the one hand, it is to keep it for entertaining distinguished relatives and friends who come to celebrate the New Year; on the other hand, it is to prepare it as a gift when visiting during the New Year. However, when giving tea as a gift, we not only need to consider quality but also packaging issues. For a long time, we have had a misunderstanding that plain-packaged tea is fine for personal consumption, but if it’s a gift, it seems a bit lacking. To cater to such consumer psychology, the tea packaging available on the market can be said to be dazzling and varied. Taking the material of tea caddies as an example, metal ones are common, and hardwood ones are not uncommon. Some, to highlight their grade, wrap real leather around the outside of the tea caddy, and some even inlay them with jade. Frankly speaking, the…

The Southern Song Dynasty: Zhou Jichang, Lin Tinggui, et al., “Arhats Drinking Tea” Have you watched the recent hit Song Dynasty drama, "Dream of the Red Chamber"? Actress Liu Yifei plays the lead character Zhao Pan'er, who is the owner of Zhao's Teahouse and stuns viewers with her fluid tea preparation skills in her first appearance. From a tea enthusiast's perspective, the most captivating aspect of "Dream of the Red Chamber" is its portrayal of "tea culture," filled with ancient charm and texture, with tea utensils and tea-making techniques largely true to Song Dynasty style. Let’s now appreciate the exquisite saucers used by ancient people for drinking tea. In the Song Dynasty, tea was prepared by "beating and stirring" using a tea whisk to stir and strike the tea broth; saucers were designed to prevent scalding hands. Southern Song to Yuan Dynasty: Gilt Silver Flower and Bird Patterned Tea Saucer and Saucer – The Metropolitan Museum of Art, USA Collection Ruyao Porcelain Northern Song Dynasty: Ruyao Sky Blue Glazed Paulownia Petal Shaped Saucer – British Museum Collection Guan Porcelain Song Dynasty: Guan Porcelain Celadon Saucer – Palace Museum Southern Song Dynasty Guan Porcelain Saucer - Excavated from the Southern Song…