Teaware

 A newly fired purple clay teapot lacks luster and appears dull; it cannot be used directly for brewing tea. Therefore, before starting to use and maintain a new purple clay teapot, a series of processes must be carried out, which experts call "opening the purple clay teapot." Opening a purple clay teapot is a ritual bestowed by those who love purple clay teapots. Do not overly concern yourself with the process of opening the teapot; it simply means to start using the teapot. The primary purpose of opening a purple clay teapot is to remove impurities and the fiery smell within it, making its use more hygienic. There are various methods for opening a purple clay teapot, but the following four steps are the most practical: | Step One: Warm-Up | First, rinse the newly purchased purple clay teapot inside and out with boiling water to remove surface dust. Then, place the teapot in a clean pot without any oil residue and add water three times the height of the teapot. Boil for two hours to eliminate the earthy taste and the fiery smell. | Step Two: Cooling Down | Place tofu into the teapot and add water one time…

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…

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…

Is it necessary to inaugurate a new purple clay teapot? A newly made purple clay teapot lacks luster. Inauguration is not mandatory, but it can help remove unwanted odors and clear any residual heat and dryness, so it is recommended. For good black tea, Pu'er tea, aged white tea, and oolong tea, one should pair them with a fine Yixing purple clay teapot, which enhances the ambiance and experience of tea drinking. Many newcomers to the world of teapots are often misled by various inauguration methods found online. In fact, a new purple clay teapot can be used directly after being cleaned with water; there is no need for a complicated inauguration process. Firstly, the master believes that whether inaugurating or nurturing the teapot, one should follow nature and use simple yet effective methods. There are two inauguration methods commonly found online: one involves using tofu placed inside the teapot and then simmered in a pot, while the other replaces tofu with sugarcane, both cooked in a similar manner. Neither method is advisable, in the master's opinion. How to properly inaugurate a teapot? The main purpose of inauguration is to address the residual earthy taste and kiln dust within the…

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,…

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

[Stone Gourd] A gourd cup for a simple life, its shape with tension holds a wondrous charm. The sound of stone resonates far, and with tripod legs, it heralds new poetry. Period: Qing Dynasty Made by: Chen Mansheng Description: The body of the pot is trapezoidal, with soft and smooth curves, giving an appearance that is thick and rustic. The spout is straight, simple yet powerful, often integrated into the overall shape of the pot. The handle is mostly in the form of an inverted triangle, complementing the shape of the pot to create a harmonious aesthetic effect. The lid is flat and the knob bridge-shaped, clean and neat with appropriate proportions, fully embodying the characteristic of exquisite craftsmanship. [Antique] Its might without a drum is like a drum, its scholarly belly pays homage to the sages of old. Low-key and refined, it cultivates diligently, joyfully serving as a sage of the earth. Period: Modern Made by: Gu Jingzhou Description: The Antique teapot is a classic type among many styles of zisha teapots. This teapot has a plump, sturdy neck that contrasts with the lower shoulder. The body is large, squat, and flat. The rim is wide, and the mother-and-child…

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…

  Purple clay is a thin layer found within the Jia clay ore, and due to its higher iron oxide content compared to Jia clay, it turns purple or dark brown after firing, making it the primary material for crafting purple clay teapots. Purple clay can be further divided into purple clay, red clay, and green clay. Within the category of purple clay, there are also subtypes such as purple clay, Dicaoqing, Hong Pilong, Bai Pilong, Hong Mazi, and Bai Mazi. These three base clays are like the primary colors in painting, capable of producing an infinite variety of hues through different ratios of mixing. The color variations of purple clay achieved through different mixtures of these three base clays and firing temperatures are considered natural and additive-free. This is similar to how we would refer to fabrics dyed with natural plant pigments by ethnic minorities as naturally colored coarse cotton cloth. The color changes in purple clay are related to the types and proportions of metal oxides present in the clay. After firing, the clay can display a range of colors including sky blue, dark liver, hibiscus red, vermilion purple, aquamarine, sunflower yellow, pear skin, pomegranate peel, dark green,…

Often, newcomers will ask, "Is this Duan clay teapot a purple clay teapot?" This may be because they have just started to learn about purple clay teapots and do not understand the meaning of purple clay materials, assuming that Duan clay is not a type of purple clay. Purple clay materials are broadly divided into three categories: Purple Clay, Duan Clay, and Red Clay. The Purple Clay category can be further subdivided into: Bottom Groove Clear, Middle Groove Clear, Pure Purple Clay, Old Purple Clay, etc. Under the Duan Clay category, we can find: Original Mountain Duan, Original Mountain Green Clay, Golden Duan, Old Duan, Blue Duan, etc. The Red Clay category includes: Small Red Clay, Zhu (Imperial Red) Clay, Dahongpao (Big Red Robe), etc. One might then ask: Is Purple Clay better than Duan Clay or Zhu (Imperial Red) Clay? The quality of a purple clay teapot does not have an absolute relationship with its clay material; it depends instead on its craftsmanship and the beauty of its shape. If all the materials come from the original mine, there is no simple distinction between good and bad among Purple Clay, Duan Clay, and Zhu (Imperial Red) Clay. Instead, different…

How should an idle purple clay teapot be stored?In fact, many of us who collect teapots will often encounter this problem. Typically, when we buy a new teapot, we rinse it with tea or water to "wake up" the clay. However, when we store it in a brocade box, we often overlook one important detail, which is a big no-no for storing a purple clay teapot. Here, I'll explain some common reasons why purple clay teapots develop mold spots: Possibility One: After washing the teapot, the owner puts the lid back on without allowing the pot to completely dry. This leads to stagnant water inside the pot, creating a humid environment that lacks air circulation, which provides an ideal habitat for mold growth. Possibility Two: High humidity in the air. During February and March, which are the rainy months in southern China, the air is very humid. If the space where the teapot is stored is not well-ventilated, improper storage can lead to mold formation. How do you remove mold spots? Procedure: Pour boiling water into the purple clay teapot. When the pot is thoroughly heated, pour out the hot water and fill it with cold boiled water. Repeat this…

Winter is truly the perfect time to use a purple clay pot for tea, as the warm, smooth, and hefty pot conveys the gentle warmth of winter right into your hands. However, when using a purple clay pot for tea in winter, there are some points to keep in mind, so enthusiasts should take care! Select the Right Tea The dryness of winter can easily lead to heatiness, drinking green tea can help with this, quenching thirst and stimulating saliva. The gloomy weather of winter can also make one's mood depressed or irritable, in which case floral teas can be consumed to alleviate these feelings. Black tea, being warm and sweet, can have the effect of preventing flu during winter; Oolong tea can effectively alleviate dry lips and mouth that often occur in winter... Selecting the appropriate tea can make your winter more comfortable. Prevent Cracking The situations that usually lead to cracking are generally as follows: 1. Special Clays and Shapes: In purple clay pots, special attention should be paid to clays with high crystallinity and unevenly walled shapes (such as Gong Chun pots). Crystallinity is an inherent property of the clay, and different clays have different degrees of…

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…

Liubao tea is best brewed using a clay pot, a glass pot, or a purple clay teapot. Liubao tea belongs to the category of dark tea and is a specialty product of Wuzhou, Guangxi. Its leaves are rich in content and have a substantial, coarse texture. The flavor is robust and rich, with a unique betel nut aroma. When brewing, a clay pot or a purple clay teapot can be used to enhance the smoothness of the tea soup. A glass pot can also be used to authentically reproduce the taste of the tea. What Kind of Teapot is Best for Brewing Liubao Tea? One: Purple Clay Teapot For regular Liubao factory tea, a purple clay teapot can be chosen for brewing. Purple clay teapots have good breathability and adsorption properties. They can gather the aroma of the tea without overpowering its natural essence or introducing a cooked flavor. Moreover, the aroma easily dissolves into the tea soup, making the taste richer and more pleasant in the mouth. Two: Nixing Clay Teapot When brewed with a Nixing clay teapot, Liubao tea has a pure and mellow aroma. The tea water produced is entirely true to the authentic taste of Liubao…

I once saw a so-called "expert" on TV imparting his experience, saying that if you remove the lid of a purple clay teapot and place it upside down on the table, and the spout, rim, and handle are in line, then it's a good teapot (this has misled many enthusiasts; this is related to the height of the spout and handle, not directly related to the quality of the teapot). If we were to select purple clay teapots based on this criterion, many national-level artisans and masters would be out of work. Don't be misled by such so-called experts! Misguided Tip Two Regarding the alignment of the three points. Some people strictly adhere to this standard and use a ruler to measure, deeming the teapot faulty if there's even a half-millimeter difference. This is overly nitpicky and would drive the artisans making purple clay teapots to the brink of madness. Misguided Tip Three Believing that when pouring tea, not a single drop should flow down along the spout. A severe drip is unacceptable, but being too extreme is also nitpicking. Many teapots cannot prevent dripping due to their overall shape (for example, the Shipiao or Hengshui styles), so a comprehensive…

Famous Chinese tea wares include celadon, white porcelain, and more. Where are they produced? Let’s delve into the details below. The Top Ten Production Areas for Famous Chinese Tea Wares: 1. Yue Kiln: Known for Celadon Production The Yue Kiln is a primary production site for southern celadon in ancient China. The Tang Dynasty marked the peak of Yue Kiln craftsmanship, earning it a distinguished reputation both domestically and internationally. 2. Xing Kiln: Known for White Porcelain Production The Xing Kiln was one of the earliest sites in Northern China to produce white porcelain. It was located in Neiqiu County and Lincheng County’s Qicun area, under the jurisdiction of Xingtai City, and holds a significant place in the history of Chinese ceramics. 3. Ru Kiln: Known for Sky-blue Glaze Ru Kiln is located around Qingliang Temple in today’s Baofeng, Henan Province. Named after the city of Ru during the Northern Song Dynasty, it is renowned for its celadon tea wares, including sky-blue, pea-green, and powder-blue varieties. 4. Jun Kiln: Known for Copper-red Glaze The Jun Kiln, also known as Junzhou Kiln, was established in the town of Shenhoushen, Henan Province, during the early Song Dynasty. The ancient Jun Kiln site…

As the birthplace of tea culture, in recent years, the revival of tea culture in China has extended to the world of collecting, leading to an increasing public recognition of Yixing clay teapots and tea leaves. Particularly, Yixing teapots have shown a strong upward trend at auctions. Worthy of note is that in this wave of collecting enthusiasm, vintage Japanese iron kettles have become sought-after items among some collectors. The Japanese tea ceremony originates from China, and in the past two years, Japanese iron kettles have become new favorites among Chinese collectors, especially those that are over a century old, which have become increasingly rare. Auction records show that in 2009, China Guardian offered several Japanese iron kettles at its "Guardian Seasons 20th Auction" in the "Celestial Celebrations - Timeless Classics: Aged Pu'er and Tea Utensils" session. One of these was a Japanese "Shunkodo-made Treasure Ship Birthday Wishing Iron Kettle," standing 23.5 cm tall, weighing 1,705 g, and with a capacity of 1.5 L. The kettle's design conveys the message of "Inheriting the Eight Treasures, Longevity and Birthday Wishes," showcasing the high level of casting craftsmanship of the Shunkodo period. This kettle is considered one of the classic works of…

"Internal cracking," "external cracking," and "cloud disk" are issues that occur during the making of purple clay teapots, commonly seen in ribbed designs. Why is this so? Because ribbed designs have a distinct concave and convex profile, where the "ribs" act as the "bones," representing the contracting force; the "cavity" represents the "breath," showing the bulging force. The requirements for a ribbed-cavity teapot are: both the inside and outside of the teapot should feature ribs and cavities; the rib and cavity formations must be lively and smooth; the ribs and cavities on the lid and mouth of the teapot must correspond and connect tightly. This combination of convex and concave profiles can lead to cracking due to the sandy nature of the clay, resulting in "internal cracking" and "external cracking." Internal cracking refers to cracking on the inside of the teapot. If you purchase such a teapot, you may not notice it at first, but when brewing tea in winter, the sudden temperature change might cause a thermal shock, leading to a crack. This is one reason why thermal shock cracks often occur in purple clay teapots during winter. In the full-handmade process for ribbed design teapots, the maker shapes…

Before officially using the purple clay pot to steep tea, it is advisable to perform a simple treatment on the pot — one to clean its inside and outside, and two to remove any impurities absorbed during the manufacturing, storage, transportation, etc.A simpler method involves merely rinsing the pot repeatedly with boiling water before use. A more complex method involves placing the pot in a clean, oil-free pot with pure water to boil, or adding a small amount of tea to simmer the pot over low heat, then rinse and use. However, locals from Yixing generally just rinse the new pot clean and steep some tea in it before using it.If you buy a pot at a tea market, some pots may have already been used by the seller or even seasoned, and such pots can be used after a simple rinse and cleaning.Nourishing the PotRegardless of whether the pot is new or old, after steeping tea with boiling water, take advantage of the higher surface temperature of the pot to wipe it with a damp towel or clean damp cloth. Wipe away the water marks immediately, keeping the pot clean.In the process of nurturing the pot, most people do…

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…

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…

1. After drinking tea, remember to dispose of the tea leaves and thoroughly clean both the inside and outside of the teapot. Note that when using a new teapot, remove any wax, oil, dirt, and tea scale from its surface. 2. If you find there is tea scale on your teaware, squeeze a small amount of toothpaste onto the teaware, then spread it evenly over the surface with your hand or a cotton swab. After about one minute, rinse the teaware with water. 3. Chop up some potato and put it in the cup, pour boiling water into the cup and let it sit for about 10 minutes. The tea scale will then be easy to wash off. Potatoes contain starch which has strong absorption properties, making it easy to remove the scale from the cup. 4. Place a small spoonful of orange powder or orange juice inside the teacup or teapot, fill it with water, and leave it for 2-3 hours. This makes the tea scale detach from the teaware, making it easier to remove. Different cleaning tools are used for different types of teaware materials 1. To remove tea scale from metal tea strainers, if the metal tea…

   In the development of tea culture, various tea ware emerged, among which the Yixing pot stands out. The longer a Yixing pot is used, the more lustrous and antique its color becomes. The tea brewed in it becomes richer and more fragrant. Even pouring boiling water into an empty pot will release a light tea aroma. Scientific analysis has shown that the Yixing pot preserves the original flavor of tea, allowing us to enjoy authentic tea with ease. This has created an inseparable bond between tea and the pot.       ◎Green Tea with Yixing Pot Green tea is an unfermented tea and the most produced type in China, accounting for around 70% of total tea production. It is also the oldest category of tea historically. The production of green tea in China is widespread, with provinces like Henan and Zhejiang being major producers. The latest scientific research indicates that the natural components in green tea have unique effects in preventing aging, cancer, as well as antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, surpassing those found in other types of tea. Main varieties: Xinyang Maojian tea, West Lake Longjing tea, Biluochun, Huangshan Maofeng, Lushan Cloud Mist, Lu'an Guapian, Taiping Houkui, Guzhu Purple…

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…