Teaware

The Beauty of Harmony Harmony with all teas. Tea lovers know that green tea should be drunk from a glass cup and oolong tea from a lidded bowl, but the purple clay pot can be used for both green tea and the currently fashionable Pu'er tea. Since people's tea drinking habits changed in the Ming dynasty, the purple clay pot has become the best vessel for drinking tea. At that time, there was only green tea. It wasn't until the mid-Qing dynasty when fermentation techniques were developed and the variety of teas increased that people discovered that the purple clay pot is suitable for all types of tea and can brew the best results. Porcelain is ranked first among tea utensils, whether it is the noble Pu'er or Dragon Well, or even the Jasmine tea of country folk, when placed in a purple clay pot, it will emit the purest aroma and flow out the truest color. Harmony with all things under heaven. Fruits, pears, peaches, human figures, and creatures leap out of the hands of the pot maker, naturally bringing different emotions and wishes to the pot. There is a pot named Wave Spike, said to have been the…

Tea utensils are generally used for drinking tea, but few people think creatively about them. However, in real life, there are people who can come up with these creative ideas. One: Usage of the Tea Strainer The tea strainer is placed on the teapot's mouth when adding tea, guiding it into the pot and preventing tea leaves from falling outside the pot. Two: Usage of the Tea Scoop The tea scoop is used to transfer tea into the teapot and is typically made of bamboo. Three: Usage of the Tea Tongs Also known as 'tea chopsticks,' the tea tongs serve the same function as a tea spoon, allowing you to remove tea residue from the pot. They are also often used to hold teacups while washing them, which is both heat-resistant and hygienic. Four: Usage of the Tea Needle The tea needle is used to clear the inner mesh (beehive) of the teapot to ensure smooth water flow. Five: Usage of the Tea Presentation Dish The tea presentation dish serves a similar function to the tea scoop and tea strainer, being a tool for placing tea. However, it also has an aesthetic function for appreciating the tea. Its main use…

When we talk about purple clay, our first impression is likely to be that most iconic object – the purple clay teapot. Elegant and refined, delicately beautiful, they seem to belong exclusively to scholars and gentlemen. Only in their hands can purple clay transcend the ordinary and emit its unique charm. The origin of purple clay is hard to trace, but it is generally believed by modern people that it gained popularity during the Ming Dynasty. Taking Yixing purple clay as a representative, over several hundred years, the production of purple clay has undergone countless transformations. In terms of shape, temperament, color, and spirit, it exudes an irresistible aura of scholarly grace. As a container, it lacks the luster of pottery and the sharpness of porcelain. It is formed using various components including red clay and purple clay, then fired, resulting in a smooth texture. Carving elegant and rustic poetry and images onto the surface of the purple clay enhances its appearance, blending form and function perfectly. High-quality purple clay teapots even appear semi-transparent when light shines through them. Moreover, tea made in vessels crafted from this material allows one to savor the original flavor of the tea without alteration.…

A genuine purple clay teapot should have no unusual smell when you purchase it. If there is any smell, it would typically be the scent from firing in the kiln, a smoky odor, or an earthy smell from the clay. The unusual smells we refer to are pungent odors, fragrances, or other types of odors. So where do these odors in purple clay teapots come from?Chemically treated teapots: Chemical colorants are added to achieve desired colors, which can result in a pungent smell. For example, manganese oxide and cobalt oxide are used for coloring. Therefore, when buying a teapot, it's not recommended to purchase those that are brightly colored and eye-catching.Improper storage: After using a purple clay teapot for some time, if it isn't properly cleaned, tea residue often remains inside. After cleaning a purple clay teapot, some people like to use paper towels to absorb excess water inside. Purple clay has a double-pore structure that allows air to pass through but not liquid, making it easy for the teapot to absorb odors. If the paper towel used has a fragrance, it can easily be absorbed by the teapot. Therefore, when storing a purple clay teapot, it should be placed…

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…

For those who love tea, teapots are a must-have. They make brewing your favorite type of tea, whether it's loose leaf or in bags, super easy. With a teapot, you can get all the taste and smell from your tea just right. There are lots of different shapes and styles of teapots out there. Each one has something special about it that makes making tea even better. The way a teapot is made - like its body shape or what kind of tea it's best for - really matters when you're looking to brew the perfect cup. With a teapot on hand, you can make more than just one cup at a time which is great for sharing with others. Brewing together brings people closer and adds to the fun of drinking tea as well as allowing loose leaf teas enough room to spread out fully enhances their flavor. Teapots often have strainers or infusers built into them too; this means no mess when using loose leaves because they keep everything tidy inside while pouring your drink ensuring nothing but smooth sipping. As we move forward, we'll look into how designs have changed over time including why certain shapes mean…

Purple clay teapots are unique in that neither the inside nor the outside is glazed, allowing the lid and body to be fired together. This ensures that the finished product has a tight, smooth lid that keeps out dust and retains heat. The main forms of lids include the press-on lid, the inset lid, and the cut-off lid. (1) Press-On Lid (also called “Complete Lid”): This type of lid sits on top of the mouth of the pot. Its edge can either be square or round, complementing the mouth of the pot. A flat piece of clay placed over the mouth is called a “seat,” while a bent piece is referred to as a “false piece.” The piece of clay forming the mouth is known as a “clump,” and the clay ring around the pot’s wall is called the “child mouth.” These parts and their transitions are connected using clay, making them blend seamlessly and appear as if they were made as one. Regardless of whether the pot is square or round, the rim of the lid and the rim of the mouth echo each other vertically and horizontally. The lid sitting on top of the mouth is also known…

Tea art is all about elegance and beauty, from large-scale elements like tea mat arrangements and tea room decor to finer details like the gestures used while brewing tea. In our daily lives, when we brew tea using a purple clay teapot, we tend to do so in whatever way feels most comfortable. However, if we can make the act of brewing tea more artistic, it adds an extra touch of joy to life. The correct way to hold your teapot not only protects your precious purple clay teapot but also prevents the lid from falling off when pouring tea. It also adds a sense of elegance and grace, ensuring that when you serve a cup of tea to guests, they feel respected. Depending on the type of handle, there are roughly several ways to hold your teapot: Ear Handle Teapot The ear handle is the most common type of handle, resembling a small ear attached to the side of the teapot. How to Hold: Circle the handle with your index and middle fingers while pressing the lid knob with your thumb. Alternatively, grip the handle firmly between your thumb and middle finger, pressing the lid knob with your index…

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…

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…

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…

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…

The gaiwan brings out the original flavor, while tea brewed in a purple clay pot is enhanced. You will find it somewhat sweeter. If you are not doing a tea tasting but enjoying an aged tea, many seasoned tea enthusiasts would choose a purple clay pot. Brewing Puer Tea with a Purple Clay Pot Suitable for brewing ripe tea, aged tea, and compressed tea. Given that puer tea improves with age, it is suitable to use high temperatures to awaken the tea leaves and extract their contents. A purple clay pot has good breathability and heat retention, absorbs tea juice, and is resistant to both hot and cold temperatures. Secondly, its good breathability helps to restore the true color, aroma, and taste of the tea. Moreover, due to the unique nature of its material, it is very suitable for brewing compressed teas, aged teas, and ripe teas. Its excellent heat retention slows down the dissipation of the aroma, making the brewed tea more flavorful. Furthermore, long-term use can enhance the aroma of puer tea, making its flavor richer and more mellow. Brewing Puer Tea with a White Porcelain Gaiwan Suitable for brewing new teas, raw puer teas, and loose teas.…