Teaware

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…

In most people's minds, antiques are valuable and have the potential to appreciate in value. Thus, many believe that this is also the case when it comes to collecting purple clay teapots. Graphics and Text | Sandhai Mo Yun To date, the earliest known and dated purple clay teapot discovered was the "Wu Jing Tiliang" unearthed in Nanjing in 1965. Purple clay teapots from the Ming and Qing dynasties are certainly "antiques" compared to modern ones. Ming Dynasty Wu Jing Tiliang But does that mean that all Ming and Qing dynasty teapots are valuable? The answer is clearly no. Only those Ming and Qing dynasty teapots that meet certain necessary conditions can be considered valuable "antiques." Below, Xiao Yun will analyze what makes a Ming and Qing dynasty teapot valuable (necessary conditions). 01 A Genuine Ming or Qing Dynasty Teapot When considering whether a Ming or Qing dynasty teapot is valuable, the first step is to determine if it is truly an old teapot rather than a modern imitation of an old one. Faux-Aged Imitation Teapot There are now people who specifically collect old teapots, leading to a significant number of fake old teapots on the market. Some individuals even…

Drinking tea has been a tradition in China since ancient times, yet not everyone knows the correct way to do so. Even fewer can present the entire tea ceremony with finesse. The tea ritual is a spiritual legacy left by our ancestors, and it would be a beautiful thing if we could carry it forward. Here are the thirteen steps of the tea ceremony: First Step: Clean Hands and Appreciate Utensils This involves washing hands, which is very important for hygiene. First, introduce the tea into a lotus leaf and invite guests to admire the tea. Then, appreciate the utensils: Jingdezhen porcelain or Yixing purple clay teapots are preferred for their suitability in enhancing the tea's flavor. This step helps set a relaxed mood before drinking the tea. Second Step: Warm Cups and Teapot Rinse all the tea utensils with boiling water. This ensures cleanliness and also preheats the utensils, which enhances the aroma of the tea. Pour boiling water into the purple clay teapot, fairness cup, aroma cup, and tasting cup. Some people refer to this as warming the utensils. Third Step: Dragon into the Palace Place the tea leaves into the teapot. This step, though simple, can be…

A teapot enthusiast asked the other day, "Why are purple clay teapots called purple clay teapots?" What does the term "clay" specifically refer to in this context, and what role does it play within the teapot? 1: What Exactly Does the Term "Clay" Refer to in Purple Clay? 1. Quartz particles (as shown by the white dots in the image below). This is according to academic sources; 2. The physical cohesion of purple clay, as per experienced potters. When discussing these concepts with others, it's essential first to clarify which definition you're using. Otherwise, conversations can become heated, with experienced potters criticizing academics for not understanding the craft and academics regarding potters as ignorant. The "double porosity structure" of purple clay is closely related to its quartz content. The "purple" refers to color, while the "clay" denotes its nature. When a purple clay teapot breaks, you can examine its fractured surface to clearly discern its unique structure. During firing, carbonate ions decompose, releasing carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, forming bubbles. These bubbles can be interconnected or isolated, creating a dense "chain-like cluster of pores" that open up, or they can become trapped between quartz and silicate particles, preventing interconnection and…

The shape of the teapot is a crucial factor in determining the capacity of a purple clay teapot. Some shapes are delicate and elegant, suitable for being made into medium or small size teapots, such as the West Lady, Horizontal Level, and Siting Pavilion shapes, etc. If they were forcibly made into large or super-large sizes, would they retain their charm? Some shapes are majestic and imposing, suitable for being made into large or super-large size teapots, such as the Han Dynasty Square, Quadrangular Jade Seal, and Han Dynasty Roof Tile shapes, etc. If they were forcibly made into small teapots, would they still exude their presence? It is precisely because of this inherent quality that we can see millions of different shapes, each with its unique characteristics. Those who love purple clay teapots will certainly encounter this problem: having acquired large, medium, and small teapots, how should one pair and use large and small teapots in daily life to ensure they are all used equally? Small teapots are convenient to carry and can be taken on business trips in your bag. They can be brought to tea houses for morning tea, hidden in office drawers for a quick tea…

Why do many people like to brew tea with a gaiwan? A gaiwan, as the name suggests, is a teacup with a lid. Most of the gaiwans we see today typically consist of three parts: the lid, the teacup, and the saucer. These three parts are metaphorically referred to as heaven, earth, and human, hence the gaiwan is also known as the Three Talents Cup representing harmony among heaven, earth, and humanity. Benefits of Brewing Tea with a Gaiwan One, a gaiwan is suitable for brewing any type of tea. There is no tea that cannot be brewed with a gaiwan, unlike a glass cup which is only suitable for green tea and not other teas. Purple clay teapots are not ideal for brewing green tea or oolong tea. Additionally, due to the double-pore structure of purple clay teapots, they tend to absorb the flavor of the tea, so if you enjoy drinking a variety of teas, you would need a different teapot for each one. On the other hand, if you use a gaiwan, the porcelain does not absorb flavors. With just one gaiwan at home, you can adjust the brewing process slightly according to the nature of the…

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…

The main subject of Chinese tea culture is people, and tea exists as an object to serve humans—it is there for our enjoyment. Chinese tea culture is often referred to as a philosophy of beauty. It encompasses the Buddhist aesthetic of circular and ethereal beauty, the Taoist sense of profound and expansive beauty, as well as the Confucian elegance and subtlety. So, what tools should one prepare for brewing gongfu tea? 1. Tea Placement Tools ① Tea Scoop: A tool used to transfer tea from the tea canister into the teapot. ② Tea Spoon: Used to transfer tea leaves from the scoop into the teapot. ③ Tea Funnel: Placed over the teapot mouth to guide the tea in and prevent leaves from spilling outside. ④ Tea Presentation Dish: A multi-functional tool that not only serves the functions of the above three but also allows you to observe the shape of the tea, judge the quantity, and smell its dry aroma. ⑤ Tea Pestle: Used to break long tea leaves in the presentation dish to make them easier to put into the pot. ⑥ Tea Caddy: Small canisters for portioning out tea leaves. 2. Tea Management Tools ① Tea Tongs: Used…

Chaozhou Gongfu tea, the word "gongfu" being key, not only emphasizes the technique of brewing but also pays great attention to the craftsmanship of teaware. For the people of Chaozhou, drinking tea means using the four treasures of Gongfu tea: Zhuni teapot, Ruoshen cup, Hongni stove, and Shaqiao kettle, among which the Zhuni teapot is the jewel in the crown. Roundness is Not Uniform The Artistic Charm That Hits Just Right Chaozhou Zhuni teapots, commonly known as "chongguan," are made from Zhuni clay, which is soft and free of sand, making it highly malleable. The craft involves "hand-pulled forming," an ancient method using a potter's wheel. This process requires nearly 60 steps, including pulling, trimming, scraping, water application, glazing, and firing, all of which are intricate and meticulous. The shaping of Zhuni teapots relies on the ingenious rotation of the potter's wheel. In the course of inheriting teapot culture, potters infuse their creative ideas, unique designs, and exquisite skills into the teapots, endowing them with more cultural characteristics in terms of shape and decoration. They break free from the limitations of geometric roundness, displaying rich variations in curved forms that resemble fruits, bamboo sections, and wheels, creating a world of…

A purple clay teapot is a durable tea utensil that can be used indefinitely as long as it isn't chipped or damaged. However, if not used carefully, various issues can arise, such as odors and tea stains. So, how should one clean a purple clay teapot? Let's discuss the cleaning process today. Odor and Tea Stain Cleaning If a teapot is left unused for a long time or if the tea residue isn't promptly discarded, it may develop mold or an unpleasant odor. The ancients have recorded a method for cleaning this: If the teapot has absorbed unwanted odors, fill it with boiling water, pour it out after a moment, then immediately immerse it in cold water. Quickly remove it from the cold water and pour out the water. This will restore the original aroma of the teapot. ▲ Clearing out tea residue The idea is to first fill it with boiling water, shake it gently a few times, pour it out, and then immerse it in cold water, which removes the odor. Repeat this several times. If a teapot is used frequently but not cleaned promptly afterward, another situation can occur where tea stains accumulate. If you encounter stubborn…

It seems like yesterday, yet it has truly been an era of vicissitudes; the smoky clouds of the Song Dynasty have faded, but the long river of history has left behind the immortal legend of the purple clay teapot. The teapot says, "I am still waiting, waiting for that tea that understands me." The tea says, "I have always been waiting for that purple clay teapot that embraces me." Thus, a tea leaf falls into the pot, meets water, and from then on there is tea, leaving in the human world a tale of tea that can never be fully told. Tea leaves are sentimental. China is the homeland of tea, where there is no shortage of tea brewing vessels. However, tea leaves have a special fondness for this particular pot—the purple clay teapot. The purple clay teapot is also loyal to the tea leaves. For the sake of tea, it gives everything it has, devoting its entire life to protecting the tea. The tea says, "There are countless fine teas in the world, but why do you always overlook them and choose only me?" The teapot says, "In the world of purple clay, the ancient adage 'serve one master…

The Song Dynasty was an era of cultural rationalism, advocating a philosophy of aesthetics that favored naturalness, restraint, simplicity, and plainness. People pursued elegance and simplicity in ceramic shapes, shunned excessive decoration, preferred the tranquil and elegant colors of glazes, and valued the aesthetic principle of natural spontaneity. The Jian zhan features an elegant shape, a rustic body, and a lustrous glaze like stars, perfectly embodying the Song Dynasty's aesthetic of unity between heaven and humanity. 1. Characteristics of the Flaring Mouth Jian Zhan The Jian zhan is characterized by its graceful and elegant shapes. The most representative form is the flaring mouth zhan, which has an outwardly sloping rim, a constricted mouth, a slightly curved belly, an inward tapering at the base, and a shallow foot ring. About 1 to 1.5 cm below the rim, there is a shallow concave groove that runs around the inside, giving the overall shape a "V"-shaped line. We know that when two inclined lines are arranged in this way, they create a sense of mutual repulsion and tension, giving the viewer an impression of spaciousness and openness. Moreover, this "V"-shaped line creates a strong contrast in volume, with a large volume at the…

The tea of the Song Dynasty favored white, while the tea wares were revered for their black-glazed bowls, unique in history. Silver-threaded hare's fur, shimmering with brilliance; paper-cut decorations, vivid and lifelike; partridge splashed, with spots that change in light. The clear black and white contrast between the black-glazed bowl and the tea highlights the beauty of the foam. The Song Dynasty revered Daoism, and the white tea in black vessels embodied the principles of Yin and Yang. The Jian kiln, located in the area of Houjing and Chizhong Village, Shuigai Town, Jianyang County, Fujian Province, is renowned for its production of black porcelain. The Jian kiln was one of the major kilns during the Song Dynasty, initially established in the late Tang and Five Dynasties period, primarily producing celadon. By the Song Dynasty, a cluster of kilns emerged in Jianyang, with 99 long dragon kilns, producing a large quantity of black porcelain. Jian ware can be categorized into six main types based on the glaze patterns: Ujim (dark blue-black), hare's fur, oil spot, partridge, iridescent, and miscellaneous colors. Hare's Fur Bowl A hare's fur bowl features fine brownish-yellow or rust-colored thread-like streaks on a black glaze surface, resembling hare's…

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…

A common question I often receive from teapot enthusiasts is: can the speed at which a teapot dries after being watered determine the quality of the clay used? In fact, there is no direct correlation between how quickly a teapot dries and the quality of its clay. Nor should the speed at which water dries be used to distinguish whether a teapot is made of genuine purple clay. Below are several examples to illustrate this: The speed at which the water dries is directly related to the following factors: 1. The surface finish (mingzhen) of the teapot: If the surface finish is well-executed, the water will dry faster; otherwise, it will take longer. 2. The fineness of the clay (mesh size): A higher mesh size (finer sand particles) means that the body of the teapot is more compact, so the water will naturally dry faster. Conversely, it will take longer. 3. The shape of the teapot: Certain shapes, like the Beauty of West Lake, Dragon Egg, or Siting teapots, do not tend to retain water on their surfaces due to their smooth contours, so they dry quickly. On the other hand, shapes like the Antique, Flat Lotus Cover, or Hollowed…

The red clay teapot is known for its lustrous and graceful appearance, particularly in smaller sizes. It is regarded as an elegant lady from a distinguished family by collectors and is highly favored by enthusiasts. Red Clay Companion Chrysanthemum Teapot There are many different types of teapots on the market today, all claiming to be made of red clay. Some have very bright colors while others are more subdued, making it difficult to distinguish between genuine and fake ones. What does a genuine "red clay" purple clay teapot look like? What is Red Clay? In Yixing's clay deposits, there is a type of ore called "tender clay," which is found in mountainous areas around Dingshu Town. The red clay ore is located at the lowest layer of this tender clay deposit. Raw Ochre Clay from Zhaozhuang and Firing Test Pieces Later, based on differences in the original layers and degree of weathering, the red clay was classified into ochre clay, small red clay, and large red robe clay, among others. Ochre clay is considered the finest of the red clays and has a higher iron content than other purple clay materials. False Red Clay Teapots 1. The teapot shown below…

Recently, a friend was sorting through a purple clay teapot he bought years ago and got quite a shock – the bottom of one teapot had developed a crack. It was in perfect condition when last used, but after being stored for several years, it had cracked. He couldn’t figure out why. It’s truly heartbreaking when a purple clay teapot cracks, especially if it’s an expensive one. Once a crack appears, its value drops significantly. So, why do teapots crack? Here are some possible reasons: 1. Improper Use In addition to issues with craftsmanship, improper handling by the user can also cause cracks. Common causes include damage from bumps or knocks (sometimes these hidden injuries go unnoticed) that later lead to the teapot cracking during use. Leaving a purple clay teapot exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods can also result in cracks. Teapots can also crack due to sudden temperature changes or uneven heating and cooling. For example, in cold environments, some teapot enthusiasts don’t have the habit of warming their teapots before use. If they pour boiling water directly into a cold teapot, it may crack. Particularly important is the case where a teapot has been unused for…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Generally, many people use steel wool (cleaning balls) or loofahs and other relatively coarse cleaning tools to scrub their tea ware, which can achieve the cleaning effect. However, consider that using these relatively rough tools to clean your tea ware can easily damage the glaze on the surface of the tea ware, making it thinner and thinner. Gradually, the tea stains will completely penetrate into the tea ware. In this case, the tea ware will turn the color of the tea broth and cannot be cleaned. The best cleaning method is to remember to dispose of the tea leaves and rinse the tea ware with water after each tea session. If you can maintain this good habit long-term, no cleaning tool would be needed, and your tea ware will remain bright and glossy. However, many friends go to rest or do other things after drinking tea and forget to clean the tea ware. They only clean it when they prepare for the next tea session. After being soaked for a long time, many tea wares become stained with tea color, which cannot be washed off with plain water. In such cases, you can apply a small amount of toothpaste onto…

01. Tea Mountain: Purple clay teapots have good breathability. The tea stains that adhere to the pot over long-term use are usually referred to as a tea mountain. 02. Aging: Also known as "nourishing the soil," this is the final processing step for purple clay. Well-mixed and refined clay is placed in ceramic vats and stored in a damp, shady place to ferment and age. 03. Aging Period: This refers to the time from when the well-mixed and refined clay is placed in a damp, shady spot to start aging. Like fine wine aged in underground cellars, the longer the aging period, the smoother and more elegant the resulting teapot will be. The minimum aging period should be at least three months. 04. Patina: After years of use, a natural and unique luster forms on the surface of the teapot. This luster is restrained and deep. 05. Sun Lines: In the bottom center of a purple clay teapot, there are radiating lines like sunbeams in the clay, which are called "sun lines." 06. Original Purple Clay Mine: Many purple clay artisans exaggerate by claiming they use "original purple clay mine" for their works. In fact, purple clay is broken down…

[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…