Teaware

A few days ago, a tea enthusiast asked me: how to select a purple clay pot for brewing Pu'er? I will share some common knowledge regarding this topic today. Pot Capacity On this issue, everyone's opinion is relatively consistent. The capacity of the purple clay pot used for brewing Pu'er tea is generally larger than that used for brewing Oolong tea. This is because the leaves of Yunnan large-leaf tea are relatively large. A larger pot allows the leaves to fully expand and release their intrinsic substances. On the other hand, small pots are preferred for Oolong tea to extract its aroma, so the pot cannot be large. A pot of about 180 milliliters (ml) to 200 ml is generally suitable for brewing Pu'er. Of course, a larger pot can also be chosen depending on the number of people drinking. ▲ Qin Quan Pot, No. 4 Well Composite Ore, 300 cc 02 Pot Shape Selection A pot with a large neck and full ear bucket is suitable for brewing Pu'er tea. The water outlet must be good, with a straight spout, and a sword spout is best. The lid opening should not be too small, as a small opening is…

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

Like other collectibles, purple clay teapots also have "levels," akin to the "primary market" and "secondary market" of stocks. Depending on the cost of the work and the customer base, the quality and price can vary. Generally, they can be divided into four levels: Economical and Practical Practical items are aimed at the general public for use in tea houses and ordinary households. They are characterized by simplicity, elegance, and practicality, with prices that can be settled for a few hundred yuan. Purchasing such a teapot is like walking into a simple but clean and tidy little restaurant with the words "affordable for the working class, good value for money" posted above the door. As long as you're there to satisfy your hunger, you won't feel anxious. However, today's common people's aesthetic standards are rising. Practical products can also be made exquisite, gradually approaching higher standards, and those not adapting to market demands will eventually be eliminated. Suitable for Appreciation and Use This category usually comes from skilled craftsmen, and prices are often influenced by the author's professional title level, ranging from several thousand to tens of thousands of yuan. The craftsmanship is relatively fine, making them suitable for both…

The greatest charm of a purple clay teapot lies in its collectible value. A well-made and aesthetically pleasing purple clay teapot, cared for with the right methods over time, will see its value increase gradually as time goes by. Works by renowned masters are particularly sought after, as the saying goes: "What use are earthly jewels, compared to a single ball of clay from Yangxin." This has led some unscrupulous merchants to produce fake purple clay teapots in pursuit of profit.In particular, "ghost-made" teapots have been a hot topic in recent years. Those familiar with teapots can easily distinguish them, but newcomers who are not in the know still find it difficult to tell the difference! When you see a purple clay teapot, start by comparing it to the artist's classic styles or similar models, analyzing aspects such as material used, forming technique, effort put into the work, and artistic style:Material: If the artist is skilled in making purple clay teapots, they usually pay close attention to the materials used. They have personal preferences when it comes to choosing clay and would not use unfamiliar materials. Forming Technique: This refers to the artist's forming habits, which leave traces on the…

It's often said that a woman who drinks tea has a certain charm. And a woman who enjoys drinking tea from a Yixing clay pot possesses a natural, refreshing, and perfectly balanced beauty. Today, I'll introduce ten styles of teapots that are particularly favored by women. 01 Xi Shi (Doll) Teapot The Xi Shi teapot has a plump and adorable shape with graceful curves. The flush-fitting lid makes the entire form appear unified, making it perfect for handling. As one of the four great beauties of ancient China, the name Xi Shi naturally evokes associations of beauty, elegance, and nobility. As the saying goes: Beautiful is the Xi Shi, but the most wonderful is the Xi Shi teapot. 02 Beauty's Shoulder Teapot The Beauty's Shoulder teapot resembles an elegant and lovely ancient Chinese woman, exuding imperial splendor while also possessing the grace of a young lady. The design is full and dignified, with the main focus on the roundness of the body. The lid blends seamlessly with the body, and the teapot feels warm and smooth to the touch. 03 Smiling Cherry Teapot The Smiling Cherry teapot, originally named the Three-Line teapot, draws inspiration from ancient ceramic tea storage jars…

The purple clay teapot is made from clay derived from minerals. In theory, it can be used indefinitely as long as it doesn't break. However, in reality, this isn't always the case. If a teapot is well maintained, it will remain fresh over time. But if during use, its inherent nature as a purple clay teapot is lost, even if the body of the pot remains intact, it loses its significance as a purple clay teapot. To ensure longevity for your purple clay teapot, the key lies in doing these things correctly.1Initiating the TeapotUse the right method to initiate the teapot and preserve the sandy properties of the purple clay. Popular online methods such as the "apple initiation method" or the "sugarcane initiation method" can have the opposite effect and damage the teapot's breathability. 2Knocking and BumpingWhen using a purple clay teapot, handle it gently. Sometimes, a slight knock may not be immediately visible but could cause cracks during later use. Since purple clay teapots are fragile, if you have children or pets at home, make sure they are out of reach.3AdsorptionPurple clay teapots enhance the aroma of tea due to their porous structure. This porosity also makes them prone…

Instructor Introduction Wang Lin Wang Lin is a teacher at Ziyang Vocational Education Center in Shaanxi Province, an outstanding instructor in the Shaanxi Provincial Secondary Vocational Skills Competition, and a top teacher at the municipal level in Ankang. She is also a national-level tea-tasting technician and tea art technician, as well as a senior etiquette trainer certified by the China Vocational Training Association. Wang has won third place in the national skills competition for teachers, first place in the Shaanxi Provincial skills competition for teachers, and first place in the Shaanxi Provincial secondary vocational school micro-course competition. Selection of Tea Utensils 01 Fusion of Tea, Water, and Fire "Tea is nourished by water, water is given form through vessels, and the infusion is completed with fire. All four are essential and cannot be absent." The importance of tea utensils was mentioned by tea lover Xu Chishu in his work "Tea Notes" as early as the Ming Dynasty. From this, we can see that choosing the right utensil to brew good tea is very important, as the correct choice often enhances the nature of the tea; conversely, it can alter the taste of the tea. Advantages of Glass Cups and Covered…

    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…

Beloved Yixing clay teapots have come a long way since their origin at the ancient Yangjiao Mountain kiln site in the Northern Song Dynasty, through storms and sunshine, solitude and bustle, never falling out of favor. I. Dragon Fish Pot A classic traditional pot shape, first created by renowned Yixing pot maker Shao Daheng during the Daoguang and Xianfeng eras of the Qing Dynasty. On one side, a fierce dragon head emerges from waves, its mouth spitting out a luminous pearl. On the other side is an image of a carp leaping out of the waves. The lid is shaped like waves rising, with a three-dimensional carved dragon head protruding from the crest, serving as the lid knob. The dragon head can extend and retract; when pouring tea, the dragon head extends, and a dragon tongue extends from inside. When the tea is poured out and the pot is leveled, the dragon head retracts, and the dragon tongue also disappears back into the dragon's mouth, a very ingenious design. II. Shishi (Stone Spout) A traditional classic style made by many famous potters over the generations, each with their own unique style. It includes variants such as Ziyi Shishi, Jingzhou Shishi,…

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…

We often come across various Yixing teapots but may not know their names. Here, we will introduce some of the most common Yixing teapot shapes.  Source: Chinese Tea Culture Knowledge

Some collectors do not understand the principles of nurturing a teapot and believe that simply placing it in a clean spot after purchase is sufficient. Thus, they often place the teapot in a display cabinet or pack it into a box, considering their task complete. Such a method of storing teapots is highly inadvisable. Newly purchased teapots should be carefully nurtured during tea brewing sessions before being stored. Using a teapot skillfully is actually the best form of maintenance, although this may not apply to rare purple clay artifacts. Tang Yun, a prominent contemporary collector of purple clay, liked to use his "Man Sheng" teapots in rotation for brewing tea just like ordinary teapots. He once said, “I don’t want to use antiques as mere decorations; I want to use them. If something can be used, I will use it.” Some guests would feel awkward when he served them tea brewed in such precious teapots. Mr. Tang would laugh and say, “These are merely external possessions; they should be used frequently. Only through frequent use can they become part of one’s inner self, achieving a state where both the object and oneself are forgotten. Most people do not understand this.”…

 Several unscientific methods of caring for a teapot! To brew a delicious cup of tea leaves, the selection of the tea pot is very important. Let's take a look at four unscientific methods of caring for a teapot. Four unscientific methods of caring for a teapot: 1. Shellac Method The shellac method involves pouring tea juice over the pot while brewing tea, believing that this allows the pot to absorb more nutrients. Moreover, neither wiping nor brushing is done. This method of caring for a teapot is unscientific as the pot will eventually be covered by a layer of tea scale, making its surface unsightly and dark. 2. Dry Rubbing Method The dry rubbing method involves rubbing the teapot back and forth with a dry tea towel, believing that this method results in a shinier pot. However, once achieved, the luster is most afraid of human hand oils and moisture. If the pot comes into contact with these, the previously hard-earned sheen can easily fade, resulting in uneven gloss on the pot’s surface. 3. Wet Rubbing Method The wet rubbing method involves wiping the pot body with a tea towel dipped in tea water while the pot is hot, constantly…

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 late renowned painter Mr. Tang Yun, not only excelled in painting but was also a famous expert in cultural relics appraisal at home and abroad. Before his passing, he was a member of the National Cultural Relics Appraisal Committee. He had a particular fondness for Yixing purple clay teapots and owned more than ten of the famous "Mansheng Teapots," with both the quantity and quality of his collection unparalleled in the world. The actual number of surviving "Mansheng Teapots" may not be very scarce, for two reasons: firstly, they were made during the relatively recent Qing Dynasty period of Qianlong and Jiaqing; secondly, the original production quantity was large, numbering in the thousands. However, those we can see today are extremely rare. I recently went through auction catalogs from major Beijing auction houses over the past few years and did not find a single "Mansheng Teapot," which is quite puzzling. Perhaps it's because collectors cherish them as treasures and are unwilling to part with them. The so-called "Mansheng Teapot" originated with Chen Hongshou (1768-1822), known by his pen name Mansheng, a famous scholar from Qiantang, Zhejiang, who lived during the Qianlong and Jiaqing periods of the Qing Dynasty. Alongside…

A high-quality Yixing purple clay teapot is unforgettable, and it should possess four characteristics: first, it must be beautiful, captivating at first sight; second, it must be appealing upon repeated viewing, never tiring the eye; third, it must have a certain charm, evoking a sense of wonder; and fourth, there must be a connection, making you think about it constantly. Beauty means that it is visually pleasing and stands out, transcending the ordinary in a sea of Yixing teapots, leaving an indelible impression and captivating one’s heart at first glance. It’s important to note that being visually pleasing doesn’t mean being overly flashy, and standing out doesn’t equate to being outlandish. Those artifacts that attempt to grab attention through bizarre shapes or grotesque decorations may have a visual allure, but due to their excessive flamboyance, they fail to be enduringly pleasing to the eye. Being appealing upon repeated viewing means that the teapot can withstand close and repeated inspection, always revealing something new and never becoming tiresome. Some teapots might initially shock with their impact, but further examination reveals poor craftsmanship; what appears alluring today becomes dull tomorrow. Fine Yixing art has spirit and soul. Capturing this elusive essence of…

Teapots made to look old with shoe polish What is making a new teapot look old? Making a new teapot look old refers to the process of treating a new Yixing clay teapot so that it appears as an old one, which can then be sold at the price of an "old teapot." No matter what method is used to make a new teapot look old, it can usually be identified with careful examination. In the Yixing clay teapot industry, teapots made before 1949 are generally considered old, while those made after 1949 are called new. Making a new teapot look old is similar to doing the same with porcelain or jade, capitalizing on the Chinese preference for antiquity and ancient objects. Teapots made to look old with shoe polish In terms of texture, most new teapots do indeed lack the translucency of older ones. Old teapots tend to appear fine, smooth, and gentle, whereas new ones are rough and dry. The reason for this is that the quartz molecules and iron elements in the clay undergo changes during repeated exposure to hot and cold water. Additionally, the frequent handling by the owner during tea drinking gradually makes the surface…

Many people have been curious about whether a purple clay teapot will scald your hand when brewing tea, and they believe that a purple clay teapot does not get hot to the touch. Some even think that if a purple clay teapot does scald your hand when brewing tea, it might be a fake one. In fact, different people have different views on whether a purple clay teapot gets hot when brewing tea, and this is quite normal. If a purple clay teapot really does scald your hand when brewing tea, is that normal? A purple clay teapot does indeed conduct heat slowly, but compared to vessels made of materials like glass or ceramic, slow heat conduction doesn't mean it absorbs no heat. When water is poured in, the teapot won't scald your hand within a few seconds, but over time, the heat will certainly radiate out. After all, it's boiling water at 100 degrees Celsius; how could it not scald your hand? Saying it doesn't scald your hand might mean you have thick calluses on your hands or the water isn't hot enough. When brewing tea, the water fills the entire pot, and in the enclosed space, the evaporated…

Drinking Pu'er tea is best with porcelain cups, purple clay cups, glass cups, etc. Pu'er tea can be divided into raw and ripe teas based on its processing method. Raw tea has a stronger character and ample qi, with noticeable salivation and a sweet aftertaste. Ripe tea is mellow and smooth, with rich inner qualities. Using different types of cups—such as glass or porcelain cups—can authentically reproduce the tea's aroma, while purple clay cups can enhance the depth of the tea's flavor. Suitable Cups for Drinking Pu'er Tea Tasting Cup: As the name suggests, a tasting cup is used for savoring tea. In the eyes of many tea enthusiasts, the tasting cup is an essential piece of teaware that showcases one’s personal taste. Tasting cups come in various shapes and materials. When choosing a tasting cup, always adhere to the principle that it should not be hot to the touch and should be easy to drink from, selecting a cup that matches both the tea leaves and the teapot. Gaiwan: A gaiwan is a type of teaware consisting of a saucer, a bowl, and a lid, also known as a "three-talent bowl" or "three-talent cup." It can be made from…

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…

Simplicity without monotony, the tea ware, complemented by dried flowers, bamboo baskets, and mats, evokes a Japanese sense of Zen aesthetics. It turns out that the details of life can be so beautiful! Recently, many ceramic artists in Dehua have been drawing inspiration from aesthetic principles in Taiwan and Japan. Using their skills in glaze color blending, they create simple yet distinctive works of art. These are both artistic expressions of urban slow living and practical items, becoming popular home decor items on the market. Cultural and Creative Design Enhances Ceramic Quality The tactile sensation of cotton and linen, a water-resistant fabric dyed with natural plant dyes from Taiwan draped over a table, paired with a set of square, simply designed yellow tea ware (Fig. 1), and a finely crafted bamboo mat, the rustic and natural aesthetics created by Dehua's ceramic artists seem to come naturally. "The natural feel of cotton and linen or bamboo mats creates an atmosphere of tranquility and serenity in the Zen space." Square and minimalist yellow tea ware (Fig. 1) In the Zhengyu Art Ceramic Exhibition Hall in Dehua, reporters see sets of tea ware embodying Zen aesthetics carefully arranged on display tables. Seeing this…

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…

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…

Caring for a pot is like cultivating one’s character; both are long processes. While savoring tea, you also nurture the pot, and in doing so, you also cultivate your own nature. Here are six key points to caring for your pot: New Pot Initial Care After purchasing a new pot, wash off any surface dust and inner clay debris with water or a cloth. Then brew several infusions of tea in the pot and let the residual heat steep the pot until the tea cools slightly. Repeat this process to remove any earthy taste from the new pot and provide it with its first nourishment. After completing these steps, clean the new pot and it will be ready for use. Brewed Tea Nourishment Whether new or old, take the example of brewing black tea. After making tea with boiling water, use the lid to gently skim off any foam that appears at the mouth of the pot. Close the lid for about one to two minutes. Pour the tea from the pot into a decanter with a tea strainer, then distribute the tea from the decanter into individual aroma cups or tasting cups. Pour the tea from the small cups…