Teaware

Chinese people have a long-standing obsession and fascination with certain colors. One is the "sky-blue color waiting for rain" of the Ruyao "qing," while the "qing" of Longquan celadon is another. The green mountains yield celadon from Longquan, and over two thousand years ago, the people of Zhejiang's Longquan began writing the legendary history of creating celadons. Whether it is the layered green glaze colors, the interwoven textures of the porcelain shards, or the rounded and unique shapes, Longquan celadon always precisely stirs the Chinese sense of "beauty." The ceramic authority Chen Wanli once said: "Half of China's ceramic history lies in Zhejiang; half of Zhejiang's ceramic history lies in Longquan." The production of Longquan porcelain has a long history. It is the capital of celadon and swords, a national historical and cultural city, and a national advanced city in culture. Longquan got its name from a sword. During the Spring and Autumn period, Ouyezi cast three swords in Longquan, naming one "Longyuan," which became the place name. Later, to avoid offending the Tang Dynasty's founder, Li Yuan, it was changed to Longquan. During the Three Kingdoms and Jin periods, local residents relied on natural conditions to fire celadon. At…

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 Ming Dynasty was a period of innovation in tea processing and the creation of loose leaf teas, setting new trends for tea drinking. In the 24th year of Hongwu reign under Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang (1391), the production of compressed tea bricks was abolished, promoting the development of loose leaf teas. Many famous teas emerged as the method of brewing changed from whisking to steeping. The process of tea preparation became simpler, and fewer tea wares were needed. 1. Simplification and Reduction of Tea Wares The older tea cakes of the Tang Dynasty required the "boiled tea method." The finely processed dragon and phoenix compressed teas of the Song Dynasty necessitated the "whisked tea method." Both the "boiled tea method" and the "whisked tea method" involved complex procedures and a multitude of tea wares. The brewing of loose leaf teas in the Ming Dynasty was much simpler: a small amount of tea would be placed in a cup (or pot), and hot water poured over it, ready to drink. This method was also known as the "pinch tea method" during the Song Dynasty. At this point, only a kettle for boiling water and a cup (or pot) for brewing were…

Purchasing a purple clay teapot is one of the most critical steps in collecting them. Therefore, after gaining a preliminary understanding of purple clay teapots, mastering the purchasing tips and collection methods becomes the most important issue. This chapter poses questions from various angles so that readers can acquire relevant knowledge as quickly as possible and prepare adequately for the practical stage. How to choose a purple clay teapot from the perspective of brewing tea? When choosing a new teapot, if considered purely from the perspective of brewing tea, the first thing to consider should be the practical functionality of the teapot. When deciding on the size of the teapot, you should consider how many people usually drink tea at home and select a teapot with an appropriate capacity. Consider what kind of teapots you already have and which ones are missing. Use this method to choose the size of the teapot. Furthermore, consider the variety of tea you intend to brew. Purple clay teapots have excellent tea compatibility, but teas come in different categories and require different brewing methods. Therefore, when considering the teapot's brewing function, the shape, size, etc., of the purple clay teapot should be thoughtfully considered.…

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…

As tea culture continues to evolve, people’s requirements for tea ware have become increasingly higher. Not only is there a demand for its functionality, but also for its aesthetic value. It can be said that the more exquisite the tea ware, the more pleasant the tea tasting experience becomes. Therefore, fine tea ware often adds much enjoyment to tea drinking. Due to their different materials used in production, tea wares can be categorized into earthenware tea ware, porcelain tea ware, metal tea ware, glass tea ware, and bamboo & wood tea ware. Each type has its own unique charm and brings a different kind of enjoyment during tea tasting. 1. Earthenware Tea Ware Earthenware tea ware is the earliest type of tea ware in China. As early as the initial period of Northern Song Dynasty, earthenware tea ware had already taken shape. Since it is fired at high temperatures and densely sintered, it is both leak-proof and has microscopic pores invisible to the naked eye. This means it neither heats up too quickly nor gets too hot to handle. Furthermore, the shapes of earthenware tea ware are often simple yet elegant with various forms and colors that are rustic and…

Often when watching others brew tea, you'll see them first scald the pot with hot water before adding the tea leaves. There's a term for this action in the trade known as “warming the pot.” Scalding the tea utensils with boiling water not only ensures hygiene but also serves a practical purpose. Warming the cups and pots is a habitual action that most people perform before brewing tea – even after cleaning the utensils, they are rinsed again with boiling water. Many believe that this ceremonial gesture disinfects the tea ware, making it more hygienic to drink from, and raises the temperature of the utensils, which improves the taste of the tea. However, few delve deeper into the underlying reasons. What other significant effects does warming the cups and pots have? I. Public Cleaning, Demonstrating Etiquette If we say that warming the cups and pots is for cleaning the tea ware, it doesn’t hold up to scrutiny. Tea is clean by nature, and thus requires a clean and hygienic environment and utensils. Before the tea ware is placed on the table, it should naturally be cleaned beforehand; why would one need to clean it again? The action of warming the…

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…

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…

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…

After being away on a business trip for a week, I wanted to enjoy a nice afternoon tea. However, upon opening the pot, I found that it had molded inside. What could have caused this? After brewing tea last time, I had something urgent to attend to and neglected to clean the pot. The tea leaves were left soaking in the water for several days, especially during hot summer weather when mold grows quickly. Left like this for an extended period, it's very likely to mold. In ancient times, ordinary households were reluctant to waste tea and often drank leftover tea from the previous day. In "Records of Superfluous Things," Wen Zhenheng wrote: "For teapots, those made of sand are best, as they do not overpower the aroma and lack the sour smell of stale tea." This "sour smell of stale tea" refers to the sour odor of tea broth. The fact that a purple clay teapot doesn't produce a sour smell when used for brewing tea indicates its excellent breathability. Due to the uniqueness of the clay material and the way it is shaped, the double-pore characteristic is very evident; however, it cannot withstand being left sealed for extended…

Many teapot enthusiasts snub half-handmade teapots and are eager to acquire fully handmade ones. But what are the actual differences between these two crafting methods? Differences Between Fully Handmade and Half-Handmade (1) Firstly, from a craft perspective: Half-Handmade: These teapots still involve manual work. Simply put: First type: The spout, handle, and lid are handcrafted while the body is made using a mold. Second type: The body is handmade while other parts are made with molds. Third type: The entire teapot is formed using molds, so half-handmade teapots can also be called mold-made teapots. Fully Handmade: This involves using tools without molds to create a teapot, making the process more challenging and time-consuming. (2) Half-Handmade Teapots Cannot Be Mass Replicated Indefinitely Some enthusiasts worry that half-handmade teapots can be endlessly replicated using molds. In reality, half-handmade teapots still contain the maker's creativity and are unique. For example, the Ti Bi Teapot by Gu Jingzhou and the Curved Teapot by Wang Yinxian both use molds for shaping. Even contemporary masters or senior artisans cannot achieve the same effect when using the same molds. Some teapots, especially those with intricate designs, cannot be crafted without molds. (3) From a Practical and Collectible…

Poetry can become an obsession, as can martial arts, describing someone who is so fond of a hobby that they are in a state of infatuation, behaving quite differently from normal people. In the world of purple clay teapots, there are also such people! Symptom One: Using Tools to Play with the Teapot 01. Using a magnifying glass (to check for scratches or sand popping out) 02. Using a compass (to check if the spout or lid is perfectly round) 03. Or a ruler (to check the alignment of three points) 04. Or a timer (to check how many seconds it takes to pour out all the water) 05. Or a measuring cup (for example, the certificate might say 200cc, but the actual measurement might be 190cc or 215cc) and other tools to measure the accuracy of the teapot. Is this a bit obsessive? While most people wouldn’t do this, there are certainly some so-called teapot experts who have these habits. Making teapots isn’t easy, so we suggest that those with this habit be cautious when buying teapots. Handmade items are not machines and cannot be perfect; perhaps handmade teapots are not suitable for you. Using a 100x magnifying glass…

Chinese people enjoy sipping tea, with the tea culture being passed down for thousands of years. The main components of tea culture include the evaluation techniques of tea leaves, artistic operation methods, appreciation of the tea-drinking environment, etc. The entire process of tea drinking is imbued with a beautiful ambiance, and in this overall process, tea utensils, as the foundation, are indispensable. Alongside the millennial development history of tea culture, the evolution of tea utensils can be said to be a beautiful landscape in its own right. The Tang Dynasty was the first peak in the history of ceramic development in China, and the flourishing of tea drinking at this time also spurred the development of tea utensils. During this period, tea utensils had a broader field for development. Archaeological excavations at kiln sites prove that, in addition to kilns such as Yue Kiln, Ding Kiln, Wuzhou Kiln, Yuezhou Kiln, Shouzhou Kiln, and Hongzhou Kiln, Northern kilns like Xing Kiln, Quyang Kiln, Gongxian Kiln, and Southern kilns like Jingdezhen Kiln, Changsha Kiln, and Qionglai Kiln were also producing tea utensils in large quantities at the time. This sufficiently demonstrates the close integration of ancient Chinese ceramic culture with traditional tea…

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

The journey of nurturing a pot starts from the very first use, which can be considered the initial stage of 'pot nurturing'. To achieve a lustrous and smooth effect, it is essential to have not only a good quality pot but also to adopt the correct maintenance methods. Remember these three points in your daily tea brewing process: 1. Before Brewing Tea Rinse both inside and outside of the teapot with warm water to heat the pot, remove any musty odors, and sterilize it (pay attention to the temperature difference and use lukewarm water to avoid thermal shock). 2. During Brewing During each brewing interval, wipe off the tea water with a clean damp cloth (one with good absorbency) and then polish the pot body with a dry cloth (soft). Consistency will bring out a warm and lustrous texture. 3. After Brewing Tea After using the Yixing teapot to brew tea, clear out the tea leaves and tea water, then rinse the inside and outside of the pot with hot water. Do not use chemical cleaning agents; otherwise, you may confuse the natural aroma retained by the pot and affect its luster and texture. In addition to the daily routine,…

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…

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"…

 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…

1. For a new pot, decide what kind of tea you will use it for. Will it be a tea with a strong aroma or one with a rich flavor? If you're particular about your tea, each type should have its own dedicated pot. However, if you're not too fussy, this isn't necessary. 2. When using a new pot, start by boiling it in a tea broth to remove the earthy taste and prepare it for nurturing. The method is to fill a clean pot with water and heat it gently until just before boiling. Then add the tea leaves and continue heating until the water boils. Remove the tea leaves and let the new teapot cool naturally in a dry place without any odors before using it. 3. After brewing tea with an old pot, remove the tea residue and rinse it with hot water to keep it clean and hygienic. 4. Pay attention to the "tea mountain" inside the pot. Some people leave the tea broth in the pot to accumulate over time, forming a "tea mountain." If not properly maintained, this can develop unpleasant odors. Therefore, it's important to rinse the pot with boiling water before brewing…

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…

Many people complain about the high price of a handcrafted purple clay teapot. In contrast, there are many inexpensive purple clay teapots on the market, ranging from tens to a few hundred yuan, which are quite popular. But do you know how these "cheap purple clay teapots" are made? These types of teapots are mostly made using slip-casting technology, where the clay is mixed with kaolin and water glass and then ground into a 200-mesh slurry, almost devoid of particles. The slurry is then heated and wax added before it is poured into plaster molds. After cooling and demolding, the teapot body is formed, fitted with spout and handle, and becomes a poorly porous body. After forming, it is coated with a slip for finishing. Thus, they become cheaper and cheaper to produce. Many enthusiasts' first lesson in purple clay teapots involves buying a slip-cast pot. A slip-cast teapot is not the same as a semi-handmade one; don't confuse them. A slip-cast teapot has no handmade components and is mass-produced. Semi-handmade teapots use molds only for shaping the body and require manual work for other parts. How to identify a slip-cast teapot: 1. Low Price Slip-cast teapots have low material…

     Firstly, purple clay teapots are beautiful, with a variety of shapes—angular goods, plain goods, flowered goods, and so many more that they can be dazzling and overwhelming, making it difficult to know where to start. Sometimes you like everything, but after a while, you might not like anything at all—it truly is a matter of personal taste. Firstly, you should figure out what truly moves you and makes you feel the beauty. This varies from person to person. For example, some may appreciate the beauty of lines, the grandeur of the design, or the elegance of simplicity. This simplifies things considerably. By focusing on one aspect, you will find many beautiful objects and discover much joy. Gradually develop your interest, expanding from a single point to a broader perspective. Slowly improve your aesthetic sense, broaden your appreciation, and elevate your standards of evaluation. When evaluating a teapot, you can consider the five main elements—"clay, shape, craftsmanship, engraving, and signature"—and the four major factors—"spirit, form, atmosphere, and attitude." This can be a complex process, often leaving one feeling lost and disoriented. We should start by looking at the overall shape, assessing whether the overall lines are well-proportioned, much like…

Purple clay teapots are the pride of Chinese tea culture, and they remain a shining gem in the annals of Chinese tea culture. Yixing purple clay teapots are a marvel within the splendid tapestry of Chinese tea culture. They are not only a brilliant outcome of the development of Chinese material civilization but also a comprehensive crystallization of the progress of Chinese culture. Their creation and prosperity were both a natural evolution of tea culture history and a significant impetus for enhancing the form, quality, and appeal of tea art. The artistic transformation in the making of purple clay teapots has not only expanded the intellectual connotations of tea culture but also enriched its spiritual domain. Chinese tea culture itself advocates a simple and noble attitude towards life, but during the Tang and Song dynasties, the elaborate tea-drinking rituals overshadowed the spiritual essence, leaving behind only rigid formalities. Drinking tea was more about performing rituals, and savoring tea became an act of merely playing with it. The popularity of purple clay teapots eliminated these complex tea-drinking procedures, allowing individuals to brew and drink tea on their own. In this simple and unadorned manner of drinking, scholars could fully engage their…