Teaware

   Tea basket is a type of container. Lu Guimeng of the Tang Dynasty wrote a poem titled “Tea Basket,” which includes the lines, “The golden knife splits the emerald bamboo, woven like slanted waves.” From this, we can infer that a tea basket was a bamboo-made tea utensil with a slanted weave pattern. The term “tea cottage” mostly refers to the small thatched hut where tea people lived. In his poem “Tea Cottage,” Pi Rixiu of the Tang Dynasty wrote, "Perched on the sunny cliffs, this humble abode is alive and vibrant for days. Red water is drawn from the shed, and firewood and bracken are roasted before the hearth. After the old man grinds the tea, the middle-aged woman takes a break from pounding tea. Facing each other as they close the wooden gate, the fragrance fills the mountains under the moon." The poem depicts the arduous process of tea-making by the dwellers of the tea cottage, including roasting, grinding (crushing), boiling, and pounding tea. In ancient times, people used a charcoal stove to boil tea. Since the Tang Dynasty, the stove used for boiling tea was commonly referred to as a “tea stove.” According to the biography…

Purchasing a purple clay teapot is one of the most critical steps in collecting them. Therefore, after gaining a preliminary understanding of purple clay teapots, mastering the purchasing tips and collection methods becomes the most important issue. This chapter poses questions from various angles so that readers can acquire relevant knowledge as quickly as possible and prepare adequately for the practical stage. How to choose a purple clay teapot from the perspective of brewing tea? When choosing a new teapot, if considered purely from the perspective of brewing tea, the first thing to consider should be the practical functionality of the teapot. When deciding on the size of the teapot, you should consider how many people usually drink tea at home and select a teapot with an appropriate capacity. Consider what kind of teapots you already have and which ones are missing. Use this method to choose the size of the teapot. Furthermore, consider the variety of tea you intend to brew. Purple clay teapots have excellent tea compatibility, but teas come in different categories and require different brewing methods. Therefore, when considering the teapot's brewing function, the shape, size, etc., of the purple clay teapot should be thoughtfully considered.…

There are many "obviously fake" imitations and traps in the Purple Clay market. Many enthusiasts often ask us to authenticate various teapots. Here are a few types of teapots that you may have come across. Be very careful. Injection-molded teapots Pure Purple Clay cannot be used to make injection-molded teapots, so during the process of making these, a lot of glass water is added to the clay. The clay is placed in a ball mill for 48 hours, turning it into a very fine slurry. The slurry is then poured into molds, left for 1-2 minutes, taken out, dried, and processed into teapots. One person can produce 300-500 injection-molded teapots in a day. The glass water does not evaporate at high temperatures but seeps directly into the Purple Clay. Glass water contains water, alcohol, ethylene glycol, corrosion inhibitors, and sometimes methanol, formaldehyde, and glycol. Methanol is highly toxic to the human nervous and blood systems, causing toxic reactions when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Methanol vapor can damage the respiratory mucosa and vision. To deal with such fakes, first, do not be misled by low prices of a few dollars or tens of dollars, buying cheap teapots with…

Chinese people have been drinking tea for several thousand years. As a common beverage in daily life, tea has a fresh and elegant flavor that can quench thirst as well as promote health, making it a favorite of many. While everyone loves to drink it, not everyone knows how to correctly choose a container for brewing tea. Brewing tea requires the right container. In addition to good tea and good water, the right vessel is also essential. In daily life, the choice of what teaware to use depends on the type of tea, the number of people, and local tea-drinking customs. Green tea: Fine and precious green teas such as West Lake Longjing, Dongting Biluochun, Junshan Silver Needle, and Huangshan Maofeng are best brewed in transparent glass cups, which allow you to observe the slow unfolding, movement, and transformation of the leaves in the water—a process known as "tea dance." Second- and third-grade stir-fried green teas, pearl tea, and baked green teas are mainly enjoyed for their taste or to quench thirst and can be brewed in porcelain cups. Lower-grade green teas contain more fiber, are more durable when steeped, and have a stronger flavor, making them suitable for brewing…

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…

A fine pot with fine tea, drinking tea and caring for the pot is truly a leisurely pursuit in life. A pot, if well maintained, will be increasingly enjoyable to use, but if improperly handled during use, it can lose its essence as a purple clay pot, which would be a great pity. When caring for your pot daily, you should avoid some bad habits. Bad Habit #1 Ice and Fire Not Warming the Pot in Winter In winter, when there are large temperature differences, if the room temperature is low, the pot's body temperature will also be low. If you directly pour hot water over it, there is a possibility of cracking. The correct approach is: before brewing tea, preheat the pot with warm water. Even if it’s not winter, after washing the pot with cold water, do not immediately brew tea or fill it with hot water; instead, place it in a warm room temperature environment to let the pot warm up on its own, then preheat it before brewing tea. Bad Habit #2 Leaving Tea in the Pot Proudly Cultivating Tea Mountain For a long time, accumulated tea residue in the teapot and cups was referred to…

The four treasures of tea utensils are: the Mengchen Brewing Pot, Ruochen Cup, Yushu Kettle, and Red Clay Brazier. The Mengchen Brewing Pot is a small teapot made from Yixing purple clay. Why is it called Mengchen? According to legend, Mengchen was a famous potter from the Ming Dynasty in Jiangsu, China, surnamed Hui, who specialized in making small teapots. When used for brewing tea, these small pots retain the color, aroma, and flavor of the tea. They are durable, and even when filled with boiling water alone, they impart a tea flavor. In the heat of summer, tea left overnight does not easily sour. These teapots have strong heat resistance, so there is no risk of cracking when boiling water is poured into them during winter. Additionally, they conduct heat slowly, so they do not become too hot to handle when in use. Over time, they develop a luster and take on an antique appearance. The Ruochen Cup, often paired with the "Mengchen" as the two jewels of tea utensils, is a thin porcelain cup. It is as thin as paper and as white as snow, small and delicate, resembling half a ping-pong ball or a miniature rice bowl.…

Many people complain about the high price of a handcrafted purple clay teapot. In contrast, there are many inexpensive purple clay teapots on the market, ranging from tens to a few hundred yuan, which are quite popular. But do you know how these "cheap purple clay teapots" are made? These types of teapots are mostly made using slip-casting technology, where the clay is mixed with kaolin and water glass and then ground into a 200-mesh slurry, almost devoid of particles. The slurry is then heated and wax added before it is poured into plaster molds. After cooling and demolding, the teapot body is formed, fitted with spout and handle, and becomes a poorly porous body. After forming, it is coated with a slip for finishing. Thus, they become cheaper and cheaper to produce. Many enthusiasts' first lesson in purple clay teapots involves buying a slip-cast pot. A slip-cast teapot is not the same as a semi-handmade one; don't confuse them. A slip-cast teapot has no handmade components and is mass-produced. Semi-handmade teapots use molds only for shaping the body and require manual work for other parts. How to identify a slip-cast teapot: 1. Low Price Slip-cast teapots have low material…

An object, originally just an object, but after being nourished by its owner for a long time, it can better blend with the owner's temperament, and thus gains a spirit. A Yixing clay teapot is such an object. As a popular brewing tool across the country, the goodness of a Yixing clay teapot can be summed up in six words: Easy to start with, and easy to maintain. 01 Easy to start with Even newcomers to the tea world can use it to brew tea that achieves a wonderful aroma, flavor, and appearance. 02 Easy to maintain This is shown by the noticeable changes over daily use as it matures and becomes increasingly "new". But do you really know how to “use” it? Before we talk about using it, let's first discuss Yixing clay. The common types of Yixing clay on the market can be roughly divided into: purple clay, red clay, and duan clay (segmented clay). Although Yixing clay has two contradictory properties—thermal insulation and breathability—the breathability of different types of Yixing clay actually varies. Duan clay has the best breathability, followed by purple clay, and lastly red clay. Because of its unique "double-pore structure", many enthusiasts have begun…

After being away on a business trip for a week, I wanted to enjoy a nice afternoon tea. However, upon opening the pot, I found that it had molded inside. What could have caused this? After brewing tea last time, I had something urgent to attend to and neglected to clean the pot. The tea leaves were left soaking in the water for several days, especially during hot summer weather when mold grows quickly. Left like this for an extended period, it's very likely to mold. In ancient times, ordinary households were reluctant to waste tea and often drank leftover tea from the previous day. In "Records of Superfluous Things," Wen Zhenheng wrote: "For teapots, those made of sand are best, as they do not overpower the aroma and lack the sour smell of stale tea." This "sour smell of stale tea" refers to the sour odor of tea broth. The fact that a purple clay teapot doesn't produce a sour smell when used for brewing tea indicates its excellent breathability. Due to the uniqueness of the clay material and the way it is shaped, the double-pore characteristic is very evident; however, it cannot withstand being left sealed for extended…

     Firstly, purple clay teapots are beautiful, with a variety of shapes—angular goods, plain goods, flowered goods, and so many more that they can be dazzling and overwhelming, making it difficult to know where to start. Sometimes you like everything, but after a while, you might not like anything at all—it truly is a matter of personal taste. Firstly, you should figure out what truly moves you and makes you feel the beauty. This varies from person to person. For example, some may appreciate the beauty of lines, the grandeur of the design, or the elegance of simplicity. This simplifies things considerably. By focusing on one aspect, you will find many beautiful objects and discover much joy. Gradually develop your interest, expanding from a single point to a broader perspective. Slowly improve your aesthetic sense, broaden your appreciation, and elevate your standards of evaluation. When evaluating a teapot, you can consider the five main elements—"clay, shape, craftsmanship, engraving, and signature"—and the four major factors—"spirit, form, atmosphere, and attitude." This can be a complex process, often leaving one feeling lost and disoriented. We should start by looking at the overall shape, assessing whether the overall lines are well-proportioned, much like…

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…

One, pouring tea over the pot. When brewing tea, some pour tea juice over the pot, believing that this allows the pot to absorb more nutrients, and they neither wipe nor scrub it. Over time, the pot is covered with a layer of tea scale, making its surface unsightly and dark. Two, dry wiping. While brewing tea, take advantage of the pot's heat to pour tea juice over it, and after pouring out the tea juice, use a dry towel to wipe it back and forth. Pots nurtured this way become shiny relatively quickly, but once they are polished, they are most afraid of human sweat and moisture. If the pot comes into contact with either, the luster easily fades, leading to uneven shine on the pot's surface. Three, wet wiping. When the pot is hot, use a towel dipped in tea water to wipe the pot, continuously rubbing it. This method is akin to polishing shoes, applying layers of tea juice onto the pot. Once it shines, if unused for more than six months, the luster gradually fades. Four, frequent brushing. Pour tea water over the pot while it's hot, taking advantage of its absorption, and frequently brush it…

From the moment you brew the first pot of tea in your new teapot, it begins to form a bond with you, and you must care for it tenderly. Day after day, as you brew tea and play with the teapot, it gradually becomes lustrous like jade. You, too, become unhurried and patient, developing the composure needed to face life's trivialities and uncertainties. Rules for Nourishing a Teapot: 1. One teapot for one type of tea—purity and exclusivity are key. 2. Avoid oil stains; always wash your hands thoroughly before handling the teapot if they have touched oil. 3. Clean the tea residue promptly after each use, not only for the sake of the teapot but also for your own health. 4. Allow the teapot to rest for a period before using it again. Tips for Nourishing Your Teapot: One: Brew tea daily with the teapot. Two: Attention to detail is paramount. This means paying attention to parts of the teapot that are often overlooked during the nourishing process. ① Inner Wall: Use a clean, soft cloth to wipe around the inside of the teapot, including the bottom, rim, and spout. ② Exterior: Pay special attention to the bottom, lid,…

Purple clay is a type of mineral, and many enthusiasts are aware that it is a mixture of "sand and mud," where "mud is the flesh, and sand is the bone." The sandy texture is also an important characteristic of purple clay teapots, and many friends enjoy examining this feature when looking at the pots. As makers of purple clay teapots, we have developed various techniques for preparing the clay, including "sand blending" and "sand laying." After undergoing these processes, the teapot's sandy texture becomes significantly richer, presenting a more striking visual effect with unique charm. Purple Clay Sand Blending In the past, any master potter was first and foremost skilled in clay preparation and sand blending. Each renowned potter had their secret technique to ensure uniqueness. Sand blending involves adding a certain proportion of cooked or semi-cooked sand particles to the raw clay to increase particle density during the clay preparation process. When both the clay and added sand come from the same mineral source, it's called tone blending; if they come from different sources, it's called contrasting tone blending. Sand blending not only enhances the sandy texture but also improves the malleability of the clay. If the clay…

 The vessel is the father of tea. There are many considerations when it comes to choosing tea ware. Selecting the right set of tea ware is crucial for brewing a good pot of tea. So, tea-loving Chao-Shan friends, here are some tea ware basics you need to know. 1. The coarseness or fineness of the vessel's material is directly proportional to the degree of fermentation and age of the tea The less fermented the tea, the finer the material of the vessel should be. For example, green tea can be brewed in celadon or glassware, oolong in finer clay-based purple sand, and dark tea in coarse stoneware or coarser clay-based purple sand. The finer the material, the easier it is to bring out the warmth and smoothness of less fermented or unfermented teas. 2. The height of the vessel is directly proportional to the age of the tea In principle, the older the tea, the less it is affected by steeping, so a taller and deeper vessel can be chosen. Vessels like the Qin Quan or Han Duo in purple sand can effectively draw out the character of older teas. For delicate teas, lidless or shallow vessels are more suitable…

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

The 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…

The process of nurturing a teapot starts from the very first use. To achieve a lustrous and smooth effect, besides having a good quality teapot, the correct care and maintenance methods are also crucial. Remember the following three points in your daily tea brewing routine: 1. Before Brewing Tea Preheat the teapot inside and out with warm water to remove any musty odor and bacteria (be mindful of temperature differences, use lukewarm water rather than boiling). 2. During Brewing During each brewing interval, wipe the teapot clean with a damp cloth (one that is absorbent) and then polish it with a dry cloth (soft). Consistency will bring out the teapot's warmth and luster. 3. After Brewing After using the Yixing teapot for brewing tea, clear out the leaves and tea water, then rinse the teapot inside and out with hot water. Do not use chemical cleaning agents; they can alter the aroma retained by the teapot and affect its sheen. In addition to the daily routine, follow these principles when nurturing your teapot: 01 To develop an outer patina on a Yixing teapot, frequently brew tea and rinse the exterior. After each brewing session, make sure to wipe the outside…

The topic of how to properly prepare a new purple clay teapot for use has been discussed extensively. However, many newcomers to the world of purple clay teapots still fall into common traps. Here are some incorrect methods that you should avoid: Mistake One: Tofu Preparation Method "Boiling tofu can remove the 'fiery' quality of a new purple clay teapot, absorb earthy odors and kiln dust, and break down any residual substances in the teapot." ▲ Preparing a teapot with tofu Firstly, there is no such thing as a teapot having a 'fiery' quality. This term is used in traditional Chinese medicine to describe human conditions. Secondly, the claim about absorbing odors is baseless. If this were true, we would place tofu instead of tea leaves or charcoal sachets in new homes and cars. Furthermore, after being fired at over 1,000 degrees Celsius, it's unclear what residual substances could be broken down by boiling tofu. Mistake Two: Sugarcane Preparation Method "Sugarcane, with its natural sweetness and fragrance, can imbue the teapot with an unprecedented level of nourishment, laying a solid foundation for future brewing." ▲ Preparing a teapot with sugarcane The idea behind using sugarcane (or apples) for preparation is…

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…

As tea culture continues to evolve, people’s requirements for tea ware have become increasingly higher. Not only is there a demand for its functionality, but also for its aesthetic value. It can be said that the more exquisite the tea ware, the more pleasant the tea tasting experience becomes. Therefore, fine tea ware often adds much enjoyment to tea drinking. Due to their different materials used in production, tea wares can be categorized into earthenware tea ware, porcelain tea ware, metal tea ware, glass tea ware, and bamboo & wood tea ware. Each type has its own unique charm and brings a different kind of enjoyment during tea tasting. 1. Earthenware Tea Ware Earthenware tea ware is the earliest type of tea ware in China. As early as the initial period of Northern Song Dynasty, earthenware tea ware had already taken shape. Since it is fired at high temperatures and densely sintered, it is both leak-proof and has microscopic pores invisible to the naked eye. This means it neither heats up too quickly nor gets too hot to handle. Furthermore, the shapes of earthenware tea ware are often simple yet elegant with various forms and colors that are rustic and…

 It is often said that nurturing a purple clay teapot requires dedication. But how should one go about it? And where to begin? Here are seven aspects, commonly referred to as the "Seven Hearts" of teapot care. Happy Heart: Treat it as an interest in your life. It can enrich your free time and help you learn more about Chinese traditional culture. Approach the art of purple clay with a positive attitude, leading a simple yet fulfilling life. Cautious Heart: Be mindful to prevent knocks and bumps. Purple clay teapots are valuable, and any damage can significantly decrease their worth. Besides the financial loss, seeing a damaged teapot, even after repair, can be distressing. Calm Heart: Avoid being hasty or impatient. One day external care, the next internal care, one day Oolong tea, the next black tea, will not yield good results. Personally, I believe that nurturing a teapot is a process, the main focus being on enjoying the experience and the sense of achievement as the teapot changes. Ordinary Heart: No matter its value, every purple clay teapot has practical use. Do not neglect a less expensive pot, treating it casually. Purple clay, even if abundant, is a non-renewable…

After acquiring a new purple clay teapot, should you prepare it for use? The answer is yes. No matter the value of the purple clay teapot, before its first use, preparation is necessary. Preparing the teapot helps to remove the earthy and kiln odors and effectively opens up the pores, allowing the teapot to develop a more perfect patina after use. However, the methods for preparing a teapot that circulate in the community are varied. Some say you should boil it in water, others suggest steaming it over water, and there are even those who recommend boiling it with apples, tofu, or sugarcane... This can be confusing. Many teapot enthusiasts ask whether they should boil their teapots. Here, we do not recommend boiling your teapot, as it is unnecessary and may even damage the teapot. Why should you not boil the teapot? 1. Easy to Contaminate with Grease Even if the pot is frequently cleaned, there will inevitably be grease and impurities left behind. Placing the purple clay teapot in the pot to boil may contaminate it with grease, affecting the formation of the surface luster. 2. Risk of Cracking from Impact When boiling the teapot, it must be placed…