Teaware

Many newcomers to the tea ceremony often ask, what type of tea ware is suitable for beginners? Here's a small suggestion: when starting your tea journey, consider beginning with acquiring a host cup. So, what is a host cup? By definition, it's a cup specifically used by the host, distinct from those used by guests. It's a cup that represents your taste and personality on the tea table. There's a well-known saying in tea circles: "Without a personal cup, there's no complete tea session." On the tea table, you can often see that the cup used by the person brewing tea (the host) is different from the cups used by the guests. If you pay close attention, you'll notice that the host cup tends to be somewhat more exquisite than the cups used by guests. This article will introduce host cups based on their characteristics and types. How does a host cup reveal the host? A host cup can generally give an idea about the host's identity, taste, and preferences. Host cups come in various materials and designs, some featuring painted or carved patterns such as flowers, birds, mountains, and streams. The owner of such a cup usually has artistic…

Understanding, selecting, collecting, and investing in purple clay teapots begins with attention to detail. The first is form, which refers to the shape of the teapot. This stems from a deep familiarity with design and relies on meticulous planning. One must clearly define the major "planes" of the pot, primarily the body. Each part of the pot—the spout, handle, rim, base, foot, lid, and knob—should have a clear orientation. From points and lines to planes, one must trace the origins and endings of lines, manage transitions, highlight contrasts between light and shadow, and balance solid and void spaces. Only then can one achieve depth in form. Once points, lines, and planes are well-handled, the work—its form—comes to life. The second is spirit, referring to the teapot's demeanor or the mood it conveys through its form. When creating, one should not merely explore flat surfaces but consider undulations and curves. All life springs from a central point, expanding outward, sprouting, and blossoming. Imagine the form (teapot) engaging with you, reaching out, speaking to you, expressing itself. This form embodies a powerful internal impulse. Such artwork possesses life and spirit. The third is qi, referring to the teapot's character or the inherent…

Using a gaiwan differs between men and women. How to brew a good cup of tea with a gaiwan depends on individual circumstances. The normal capacity of a gaiwan typically ranges from 100ml to 300ml. Different people will choose according to their needs. Gaiwans preferred by women ▲Women have smaller hands, so they need more compact teaware. Women have smaller hands, so they need more compact teaware. The size of the gaiwan generally should not exceed 150ml. Therefore, the most suitable size for a gaiwan is between 100-150ml. It can be even smaller, like 80ml, as this size also exists. A 150ml gaiwan is usually about 9cm in diameter at the rim and 8cm tall. So, in my opinion, a size of 120ml would be most suitable for women. This size is moderate; if the material is thin porcelain, it won't feel heavy or hot in the hand, making it the best choice. Gaiwans preferred by men ▲Men tend to drink larger quantities of tea more frequently, so they need a larger gaiwan. Men tend to drink larger quantities of tea more frequently, so they need a larger gaiwan. The largest gaiwan is around 300cc. Anything larger than that would…

Tea can be boiled, savored, drunk, or poured. The various actions associated with tea reflect the myriad facets of human life. It is said that a Japanese scholar approached Lin Qingxuan to seek his insights into China's profound tea culture, only to find him idly seated in a recliner, holding a delicate small pot and sipping directly from it, without using a cup, in an unboundedly relaxed manner. The scholar was surprised. Could it be done this way? Unfortunately, Lin Qingxuan did not tell him that there is a way of tea but no rigid rules. As long as the tea is willing and I am willing, what else is there that cannot be done? "Sipping alone," in my view, is the ultimate enjoyment of drinking tea. With flower shadows at the door and a cool breeze under the veranda, holding a pot of fine tea, pouring all kinds of emotions into one's heart. Cherishing oneself, drinking alone, and opening one's heart freely, without joy, without restraint, without hindrance—this is how a true scholar drinks. Drinking tea, in the end, is something that brings pleasure to oneself. From the same pot of tea, Buddhists see Zen, Daoists see qi, Confucians…

Browsing purple clay teapots online, you likely have noticed the following: many shops are astonishingly cheap at first glance. Pots advertised for a hundred or two can be "authentic Yixing purple clay"? Not only are they cheap, but they often come in extremely intricate shapes. Each pot seems to try to convince you with its exquisite craftsmanship: not buying would be a great loss. Some pots, on the other hand, play up their names. With just an ultra-low price, they claim to use golden segments, heavenly blue clay, or dark red robe. Some even sell based on titles alone, without discussing the quality of workmanship, boasting significant appreciation potential. But upon closer inspection, some have monthly sales of over a thousand pots, often accompanied by a pile of free gifts. Something doesn’t add up. Before you actually buy a purple clay teapot, have you recognized the following two facts— Fact One When a purple clay teapot is priced at a hundred or two, or even lower, it’s destined not to be authentic Yixing clay. Most cheap teapots use outer mountain clay. That is, clay from mines in other provinces like Anhui Xinhang or Zhejiang Anji is passed off as Yixing…

 Popular Style: Purple clay artifacts have their roots in the soil of daily-use pottery. According to archaeological evidence, pottery-making activities date back to the Neolithic period, around five to six thousand years ago. By the Tang and Song dynasties, the greenware and daily-use pottery produced in Yixing were able to meet the needs of people's lives and production. Popular-style purple clay artifacts use common materials, feature simple designs, are highly functional, and are affordable. Scholarly Style: Chinese scholars have conducted extensive research into tea culture. Since the Song dynasty, drinking tea has been a significant part of scholarly gatherings. Thus, scholars began to infuse their aesthetic tastes into purple clay teapots. Scholarly-style teapots are made from carefully selected materials, have simple yet elegant designs, and bear inscriptions that express emotions through objects. These teapots possess extremely high cultural and artistic value. Court Style: The sources of imperial purple clay artifacts during the Ming and Qing dynasties came through two channels: the first was local officials selecting fine works by outstanding craftsmen to present to the court for imperial use; the second was when an emperor found a teapot unsuitable to his aesthetic standards or usage habits after using it, he…

"After the crude embryo is fire-hardened, each one reveals its remarkable qualities. They seem to have mud for bones, yet when struck they sound like gold and jade." Recalling Dongpo of old, a good teapot, a few good friends, sitting and discussing the Dao, writing with brushes, the refined lifestyle of scholars was vividly portrayed. Nowadays, people living in a materialistic society need this kind of return to a higher realm, and perhaps this return starts with a cup of tea and a teapot... Among the various teapots used for brewing tea, purple clay teapots stand out due to their unique material, becoming a favorite tool among tea enthusiasts. Purple clay teapots enhance the flavor, color, aroma, and taste of tea, avoiding the taste of boiled water, allowing tasters to enjoy the perfect experience through taste, smell, and sight. How much do you know about purple clay teapots? How can you get started and choose your first purple clay teapot that suits you? Lovers of teapots should carefully read the following content~ 01 Understand Before Purchasing For those just starting with purple clay teapots, it's essential to learn about them before making a purchase and to study how to care…

The sheen of a purple clay teapot, also known as "water color," can appear either lustrous or dull. What causes this difference? Is it the clay material, the craftsmanship, or something else?... We see various colorful substances with our eyes because these substances reflect light. The less reflective they are, the darker they appear. If they don't reflect any light at all, we wouldn't be able to see them even in sunlight, which is the principle behind invisibility. After being fired to crystallization, a purple clay teapot forms a sandy texture due to surface contraction. Most of the light is absorbed by this texture, which is why new purple clay teapots appear relatively dim compared to other objects. Only a small portion of the light is reflected from the crystal surfaces, allowing us to perceive their presence. When a purple clay teapot has been maintained and polished for some time, it reflects light from the tea and oils that have been absorbed into the varying depths of its textured surface. This greatly increases the density of the reflective points, and since the light is refracted from different depths, it appears to have depth, creating an effect similar to a luminous…

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…

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…

Many pot enthusiasts cherish their Yixing clay pots, yet they may be unclear or even completely ignorant about the relevant knowledge. Here are some essential facts about Yixing clay pots that are commonly asked by enthusiasts, which we would like to share with everyone. ① Why do Yixing clay pots made from the same type of Dicong Qing have different colors? The color can vary due to differences in firing times and temperatures, among other factors. As a result, even clay sourced from the same location can produce Yixing clay pots of different colors when fired. As shown in the following image (taken at the China Yixing Ceramic Museum), there are color variations even among samples of the same type of Dicong Qing clay. ② Does a lack of an inner stamp always mean the pot is not handmade? This is not necessarily true. Some individual artisans have different habits, and there are handmade pots without inner stamps. The presence or absence of an internal stamp cannot directly determine whether a Yixing clay pot is entirely handmade; it needs to be evaluated holistically. As a beginner, you don't need to worry about whether the pot is fully handmade or partially…

Tea enthusiasts may have had the experience of buying a variety of cups when they first started learning about tea, such as bell-shaped cups, heart-shaped cups, slim-waist cups, blue-and-white thin porcelain, Ru kiln pieces with crackle glaze, Tenmoku bowls… Tea ware provides a direct sense of beauty, a form of aesthetic that can be touched by the senses, and so many tea lovers are connoisseurs of tea ware. If they find you kindred in spirit, they could tell you all about the history and origin of their tea cups in great detail. The appreciation of tea ware is similar to drinking tea, requiring careful savoring and discernment to notice subtle changes and discover finer beauty... Initially, I was fond of polychrome ware due to its rich colors that easily attract attention. Over time, however, I found that understated green tea ware is also appealing, as it endures solitude and becomes more flavorful with use. It can be paired with any type of tea, and the empty spaces give us room for imagination, resonating with the essence of tea. Gradually, from chance encounters with cups, I began to desire to own my own cup and embarked on the journey of "nourishing"…

Lin Yutang said, “Wherever they are, Chinese people are happy as long as they have a cup of tea.” Tea culture in our country has a history of thousands of years. From ancient times to the present, Chinese people have had the habit of drinking tea. During the Tang and Song dynasties, tea tasting became one of the most popular activities. The vessel is the father of tea. Good utensils can maximize the quality of tea and also influence the mood of the tea taster. Elegance and beauty should be the pursuit of every tea enthusiast. So, dear tea enthusiasts, do you know the intricacies of tea ware? What should tea novices pay attention to when choosing tea ware? 01 Porcelain Porcelain is the most common and widely inclusive material we use daily. Because porcelain is tightly compacted, it treats the flavor of tea impartially without affecting its natural aroma or taste. It can basically be used for brewing various types of tea. Porcelain is characterized by being "as white as jade, as clear as a mirror, as resonant as a chime, and as thin as paper." Its surface should be smooth and clean, and when illuminated by light, it…

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…

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…

How many years can a purple clay teapot be used for? Does a purple clay teapot have a lifespan? There is no limit to the number of years you can use a purple clay teapot. As long as it doesn't get chipped or broken, if well-maintained, it can be used indefinitely. What affects the lifespan of a purple clay teapot? I. Dropping Purple clay teapots are particularly vulnerable to drops. Once ceramic products are damaged, they cannot be restored to their original state – even if repaired using techniques like porcelain joining or kintsugi, only an imperfect beauty will remain. So how do you prevent dropping? When pouring tea, place another finger on the lid or knob, and avoid making large movements. The teapot should not leave your hand during the process of pouring tea. Many times, lids fall off while pouring tea. Avoid imitating the tricks teapot sellers play, such as the lid not falling off or standing the lid and spout upside down. These are deceptive gimmicks that could accidentally ruin your beloved teapot, which would be counterproductive. Place the teapot in a high spot or cabinet where children cannot reach it, and do not let clumsy people…

The reason many friends like purple clay pots is that they "become increasingly mellow with prolonged use and tea drinking," but few are truly well-nourished in daily use. ▲Nourished patina When you see the pots that experts have nourished, they are warm and restrained, noble and elegant, making one envious. Yet, your own pot can easily become "dirty or patchy." Today, let's talk about the issues of nourishing a pot. Unable to Achieve Results The nourishment of a purple clay pot, also known as the patina, has a warm and subdued color, emitting a natural glow. This is the state of a purple clay pot after it has been nurtured. If you cannot achieve these results, there are several reasons: 1. The pot has been waxed or over-polished. 2. It is a slip-cast pot or a hand-pulled pot. ▲Not a natural shine These types of pots either have been treated on their surface or have added water glass and different processes. They are "already relatively shiny." Therefore, when using them, pot enthusiasts might feel that the effects of nourishment are not significant. A purple clay pot itself has a sandy texture. Before being fully nourished, it appears plain and simple,…

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,…

Liking tea often means buying a purple clay teapot. I remember when Xiao Yue bought her first purple clay teapot, she cherished it so much that she opened it carefully and even bought a special water bath cooker just for its inauguration. She slowly boiled water in it for hours, taking great care of it, all the while thinking to herself: It’s you from now on! However, who would have thought that soon after, I found a new favorite. Using a purple clay teapot does indeed require some attention to detail, such as the method of cleaning it. One cannot blindly be “diligent” but must know the right approach to maintain the teapot properly. When cleaning your purple clay teapot, first observe if there is any oil, wax, or other dirt on the surface. If so, it needs to be cleaned promptly. Purple clay has the advantage of good breathability, and if oil stains adhere to it, the pores will become clogged. Moreover, neglecting to clean your teapot can lead to the accumulation of tea scale inside and oily dirt on the surface over time. This not only affects its appearance but also creates unsanitary conditions that can impact our…

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…

 When selecting a purple clay teapot, enthusiasts usually fear two things the most: first, buying a fake purple clay teapot, and second, purchasing one made from chemical-laden clay. So, how should one choose a good purple clay teapot? Look at the Texture Pure mine purple clay has a restrained luster, feels like warm jade, displays a stable color, and has an aged appearance. When using high-quality clay, noticeable results can be seen within half a month. Teapots made from chemically treated clay show little change no matter how they are cared for; they remain dry and brittle. Although they may achieve a so-called green bean paste effect, the surface glaze (caused by the addition of wood shaving water, also known as quartz water) is too heavy. The tea water does not penetrate, nor do the oils from handling, which means such a teapot cannot be properly conditioned over time. Check Water Absorption Genuine purple clay teapots, with the exception of those made from red clay and some segment clays, generally have strong water absorption capabilities. This is why it is often said that tea tastes better when brewed in a purple clay teapot compared to other types of teapots. Teapots…

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…

Almost all enthusiasts of purple clay teapots are also tea lovers. Because they enjoy drinking tea, they are particular about the vessels used for brewing, which is why they choose the excellent brewing tool that is the purple clay teapot. To achieve a good tea-drinking experience, brewing is indeed an important step, but storing tea also has a significant impact. Many enthusiasts use a purple clay teapot for brewing and a purple clay canister for storing tea, demonstrating a high level of attention to detail. However, just as there are specific ways to care for a purple clay teapot, there are also many nuances to consider when using a purple clay canister for storing tea. Today, I will discuss how to store tea in a purple clay canister, so your tea can be kept in the best condition possible. How to Use a Purple Clay Tea Canister? 1. Characteristics of Various Tea Canisters Tea is a dried product that can easily absorb moisture and become damp, leading to quality changes. It has a strong affinity for water, odors, and its aroma can evaporate very quickly. (Therefore, tea can also be used as a deodorizer; placed in a refrigerator, it can…

The world of a teapot is vast, and the life of tea is long! Whether you're new to the world of purple clay teapots or an experienced aficionado, there are always questions that need answers! Here we have collected some frequently asked questions from enthusiasts and provided detailed answers. 1. Why does my new purple clay teapot have an unusual smell? Answer: The reason why tea brewed in a purple clay teapot tastes particularly good is due to its unique double-pore structure, which can absorb the aroma of tea. Naturally, it can also absorb other odors. A newly made purple clay teapot may have some earthy smell or a slight burnt odor, which are normal kiln-related scents. 2. Is purple clay exclusive to Yixing? Answer: Purple clay is a unique mineral found in Yixing. In May 2006, Yixing purple clay was included in the first batch of China's Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection List. To date, no one has discovered anywhere else in the world with the same type of ore as Yixing's purple clay. Clay from other mountains often contains a lot of sand and impurities. Purple clay from other regions can be considered purple clay pottery, but the finished…