Teaware

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…

 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…

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

In the vast array of Yixing teapot shapes, many have evolved from each other, leading to a number of models that are extremely similar, often confusing enthusiasts. The most typical examples are the “Xishi (Beauty), Wndan (Pomelo), and Longdan (Dragon Egg)” round teapots. 01 Longdan Teapot The Qing dynasty's Wu Dingmei, in his work Yangxian Minghu Fu ("Ode to Yangxian Teapots"), wrote: "Round ones resemble balls, slightly elongated, known as Longdan." This is the earliest description of the Longdan teapot style. The Longdan teapot is particularly endearing, with an oval line forming its basic outline. Its shape is simple, smooth, and robust, creating a strong overall impression. The Longdan teapot is also known as the "Longdan teapot," named for its resemblance to a dragon's egg. ▲ Qing Dynasty Longdan Teapot The Longdan style retains traces of the Ming dynasty aesthetic, favoring naturalness, strength, and simplicity in its design. This is an early Qing piece, featuring a straight spout, sturdy and practical. ▲ Qing Dynasty Longdan Teapot This is a mid-to-late Qing piece. The spout has been modified, and this version has become a classic design passed down through generations. It features a triangular cone-shaped spout that starts thick at the…

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…

In recent years, the Zisha auction market has been thriving with record-breaking prices, and many people are purchasing Zisha teapots as investments. Due to the existence of a professional title system, even contemporary teapots have potential for appreciation in value. For example, if I buy a teapot made by an artisan, and two years later they gain a higher professional title, the value of the teapot naturally increases. However, this has also led to a chaotic market filled with teapots made by proxy. Many of those who produce teapots by proxy have multiple sets of seals, and their works can be found in all shapes and forms on the market: floral, square, ribbed, odd-shaped teapots, as well as various types of clay and craftsmanship. If we think about it carefully, is this possible? Those who know more about Zisha teapots understand that each artisan specializes in their own craft. Apart from exceptional talents like Gu Jingzhou, most artisans only make teapot shapes they are skilled at. In the proxy circle, everyone becomes a Gu Jingzhou, capable of producing any type of teapot. They claim their clays are original mine, but what you end up buying is often left to fate.…

While it’s great to brew tea with a purple clay teapot, it can accumulate tea stains over time. During the process of nurturing the pot, frequent brewing inevitably leaves tea stains inside the pot. Many enthusiasts believe that tea stains are the essence accumulated over time, and with this layer of tea stains, even if you pour boiled water into the purple clay teapot, the water will still carry a faint aroma of tea when poured out. However, not washing the tea stains makes it easy for bacteria to grow, which is unhealthy. So, how do you clean the pot without removing the patina? Small Methods for Cleaning the Pot Many enthusiasts are reluctant to thoroughly clean their pots due to the developed patina, fearing it might be washed away. Below, we’ll teach you how to clean the tea stains inside a purple clay teapot without damaging the patina. Step 1 Take one spoonful of edible baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and put it into the pot, then pour in boiling water (100°C) (remember to warm the pot first), fill the pot completely and cover it with the lid. Step 2 Wait for about two or three minutes, then gently scrub…

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…

All things in this world are truly complementary and contradictory, "Brother Fine Tea" since meeting "Sister Purple Clay," it's like a "lover" meeting his "pretty maiden," they are destined to be together forever, loving tea doesn't necessarily mean loving purple clay, but those who love purple clay will certainly love tea. Regardless of whether you love purple clay because of your love for tea or vice versa, once you're in love, no one can unravel this triangular relationship, the love, hate, affection, and resentment are not just a matter of "fate." Playing with pots should be done with a content and happy mindset. You must know that "there are countless good pots in the world, and it's impossible to collect them all in one lifetime." Many pots existed before you were born which you never got to see, many more you couldn't get after you were born, and even more masterpieces will remain out of reach after you pass away. Why worry about temporary gains and losses? Life is short, and we can only say "once had" about worldly matters, there's no such thing as "eternal." Which of the famous pots that have survived through the ages hasn't changed hands…

Tea culture has a long history in China, with records of tea dating back to ancient times. Not only that, but there is also a significant emphasis on tea utensils, which are not chosen haphazardly. Even a simple teacup has its own unique considerations. So, how much do you know about Chinese tea culture and the various tea utensils used for brewing? The utensils for brewing tea can be categorized as follows: 1. Yixing clay (purple clay) tea utensils are both elegant and resonant. This type of material has been used for several hundred years and is characterized by a dual-pore structure, giving it strong adsorption capabilities. When used for brewing tea, it enhances the color, aroma, and flavor of the tea. 2. Porcelain and ceramic tea utensils are both delicate and substantial. These utensils are moderately priced and therefore make up a large proportion of all tea utensils. They come in various types such as celadon, fine earthenware, and colored pottery. 3. Artistic tea utensils are both innovative and exquisite. In recent years, the enthusiasm for art pieces has not diminished; instead, it has become increasingly popular. Consequently, artistic tea utensils have emerged and have been well-received. The above…

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…

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…

For many newcomers, there may indeed be some confusion. After all, the culture of purple clay has continued for hundreds of years, enduring and thriving, playing an increasingly important role in tea culture. This further illustrates that for tea drinkers, a purple clay pot is indispensable tea ware. Many seasoned tea enthusiasts have used purple clay pots from the beginning, and later even purchased dozens of various styles of Yixing purple clay pots. To those unfamiliar with purple clay pots, this may seem quite perplexing! Why do so many people like to brew tea using a purple clay pot? Why is Tea Brewed in a Purple Clay Pot Better? The most direct benefit is that it doesn’t get too hot to handle. Due to the nature of the material, a purple clay pot does not conduct heat easily. Also, because of the unique shape of the pot, one’s hand is less likely to touch the walls of the pot. A purple clay pot can absorb the aroma of tea. The unique material allows a frequently used clay pot to retain the tea fragrance, and the longer the pot is used, the stronger the tea scent it retains. A purple clay…

When brewing tea, enthusiasts often seek a smooth and seamless experience. A disrupted water flow or a clogged spout can be quite disappointing. "Powerful pouring," "one-second pouring," and "three-inch pour without splashing" are all terms used to describe the smooth water flow of a zisha teapot, evoking a sense of satisfaction and efficiency. A teapot capable of one-second pouring must possess the following nine factors: 01. Diameter of the Spout The larger the diameter of the spout, the greater the water flow and the faster the pouring; the smaller the diameter, the slower the pouring. 02. Curvature of the Spout Zisha teapot spouts can be categorized by their shape into straight, single-curved, double-curved, and triple-curved. Generally, a straight spout provides the most powerful pour, as seen in teapots like the Shui Ping, Shi Piao, and De Zhong. 03. Number and Regularity of Spout Holes The more holes in the spout, the greater the total area and thus the greater the water flow. Among two teapots with identical shapes, a ball-shaped hole is best for water flow and less prone to clogging. 04. Size and Regularity of the Vent Hole on the Lid For a teapot with good airtightness, the larger…

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…

When creating a beautiful piece, the more variables involved, the weaker the human control becomes. However, luck always stands by every craftsman who truly invests their life and wisdom in it. As long as you have sufficient accumulation and patience, fine works will naturally emerge. Shoe firing ceramics are both man-made and reliant on nature, a collaboration between heaven and humanity, with its wonders lying within. Shoe firing refers to the production of ceramic wares using wood as fuel. This is an ancient technique with a high degree of difficulty, where the success or failure of the work depends on the relationship between clay, fire, wood, and kiln. Returning to nature, the fusion of fire, earth, and ash gives rise to a natural, thick, and primitive beauty. Shoe firing seeks the natural combination of wood ashes and earth, not bound by formal aesthetics, but rather without any artificial embellishment. The beauty of simplicity is attached to everything, and only in the formless yet shaped shoe-fired ware can one touch the soul. Shoe firing is mainly divided into two categories: glazed (base glaze) and unglazed (natural glaze). For example, Song Dynasty Tenmoku bowls and celadon glazes are glazed, while Bizen-yaki from…

      1. Try to avoid dry burning. Do not heat the kettle when there is no water in it. Repeated and continuous dry burning will shorten the lifespan of the iron kettle and may even cause it to crack. 2. Prevent large temperature differences. A large temperature difference refers to a significant difference between the temperature of the kettle body and the water temperature. For example, adding hot water to a cold kettle or pouring cold water into a hot kettle. In such cases, there is a risk of cracking the kettle. A better approach is to alternate the use of two or more iron kettles. When you only have one kettle, you can replenish the water inside by adding hot water. 3. Keep the iron kettle dry. If there is still moisture left inside the kettle after use, it can easily rust. Therefore, you should use the residual heat from the kettle and stove to evaporate any remaining water inside, ensuring that the kettle stays dry.

Chinese people love to serve tea to their guests. Serving tea upon entry has three meanings: first, it shows the host's respect for the guest, as there is a sense of courtesy in the tea; second, it demonstrates the host's hospitality, with the friendship between host and guest and the goodwill towards the guest all contained in this cup of tea; third, it helps to adjust the atmosphere so that neither the host nor the guest feels awkward or constrained. Serving and drinking tea actually carries a psychological aspect of mutual communication. Etiquette comes first in everything, and serving tea to guests is no exception. How should teacups and teapot be placed? 1. The process of placing the teapot and cups should be orderly, balanced left and right, and unobstructed as much as possible; 2. If there must be an obstruction, arrange items from lowest to highest, placing shorter items like cups in front of the guest's line of sight; 3. To show respect to the guest, the spout of the teapot should not face the guest, and any patterns on the teapot and cups should be directed towards the guest, placed neatly. The teapot spout should not face the…

If the Yixing teapot is purely for daily use, it's generally appropriate to choose one priced between 500 to 1,000 yuan. If you seek both practicality and artistry in your teapot, you may opt for one costing between 1,000 to 10,000 yuan. If you also desire collectibility, you might consider teapots priced between 100,000 to 10 million yuan. The appropriate price for a personal-use Yixing teapot depends on your purpose for purchasing it. If it's just for everyday use and you don't care whether it was made by a renowned craftsman, a teapot priced between 600 to 1,000 yuan would be suitable. If you want a teapot that not only serves practical purposes but also meets artistic standards and exceeds basic models, you might choose one priced between 4,000 to 10,000 yuan. These teapots are typically made from precious clay and are mostly handcrafted. If you wish to use your teapot daily and also for collecting, you could consider teapots priced between 10,000 to 100,000 yuan. Such teapots are often crafted by renowned artisans and embody craftsmanship, artistry, and cultural value. A Yixing teapot is an essential piece of tea ware on any tea table and an important component of…

We often talk about the unique characteristics of purple clay teapots, such as their ability to retain fragrance when brewing tea and lack of cooked soup aroma. While the claim that they remain fresh even in summer might be an exaggeration, purple clay teapots do indeed have a distinctive “porosity” not found in other types of teaware. ▲ Brewing tea with a purple clay pot The porosity of purple clay teapots comes from their unique “double-pore structure,” which refers to the sand particles and their agglomerate structure within the clay material itself. ▲ Cross-section particles Purple clay materials used for making teapots vary in coarseness, indicated by different mesh sizes, leading many to wonder if the porosity of a purple clay teapot is related to its mesh size. Mesh Size The mesh size refers to the size of the purple clay particles. When we grind and sieve purple clay ore, we use a screen to determine the mesh size, with common sizes being 24, 32, 40, 60, 80, and 100 mesh. The smaller the mesh size, the coarser the clay particles; conversely, the larger the mesh size, the finer the clay particles. ▲ Cross-section particles The mesh size also affects…

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…

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…

The Purple Clay through the Eyes of the Dingshan People What is purple clay? Purple clay is a type of stoneware, a ceramic product that lies between pottery and porcelain. It is a cultural heritage passed down from our ancestors and a shining diamond in the five-thousand-year history of Chinese culture. To the people of Dingshan, purple clay is not only a means of livelihood but also a form of culture. In their daily lives, the presence of purple clay is always evident. Flower pots for gardening, stone stools in courtyards, building materials for walls, jars for storing rice, discarded teapot lids repurposed as pen holders by artisans, chipped teapots used to hold vinegar at small wonton stalls under the big wooden bridge—whether flawed, discolored, or marred with blemishes, any defective teapots that cannot be sold find practical uses in everyday life. The love the people of Dingshan have for purple clay runs deep within their bones; it is unchangeable. Their confidence in purple clay has been passed down from generation to generation, never shaken! A person, a handful of earth, a clay teapot, and a city.

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.…