Teaware

After acquiring a new purple clay teapot, should you prepare it for use? The answer is yes. No matter the value of the purple clay teapot, before its first use, preparation is necessary. Preparing the teapot helps to remove the earthy and kiln odors and effectively opens up the pores, allowing the teapot to develop a more perfect patina after use. However, the methods for preparing a teapot that circulate in the community are varied. Some say you should boil it in water, others suggest steaming it over water, and there are even those who recommend boiling it with apples, tofu, or sugarcane... This can be confusing. Many teapot enthusiasts ask whether they should boil their teapots. Here, we do not recommend boiling your teapot, as it is unnecessary and may even damage the teapot. Why should you not boil the teapot? 1. Easy to Contaminate with Grease Even if the pot is frequently cleaned, there will inevitably be grease and impurities left behind. Placing the purple clay teapot in the pot to boil may contaminate it with grease, affecting the formation of the surface luster. 2. Risk of Cracking from Impact When boiling the teapot, it must be placed…

 1. The flavor and color of tea brewed in a purple clay cup is rich and fragrant, and it never tastes like boiled water. This is unmatched by any other type of teaware, and the tea will remain fresh for several days even in hot summer. Purple clay cups do not overpower the aroma of the tea nor impart a cooked taste. Therefore, when used to brew tea, they preserve its natural color, aroma, and flavor. 2. Porous purple clay cups can absorb tea residue, and over time, they accumulate "tea rust." As a result, even when empty, pouring boiling water into the cup releases a tea fragrance. 3. They are easy to clean. If left unused for a while and an odor develops, simply rinse the cup with boiling water two or three times, then pour out the cold water before using it to brew tea, which will retain its original flavor. 4. They have excellent thermal shock resistance. Even in the depths of winter, pouring boiling water into the cup does not cause it to crack due to sudden temperature changes. Additionally, the porous material conducts heat slowly, so the cup remains comfortable to hold. 5. They are…

Purple clay teapots are considered the best among tea wares, perfect for brewing tea as they neither overpower the aroma nor introduce a cooked taste, which is why many people prefer using them. While enjoying your purple clay teapot, it's important to "nurture" it properly. A well-nurtured teapot will have a warm and dignified appearance, exuding a subtle elegance. Neglect, however, can result in an unsightly sheen or uneven coloring, ruining the beauty of the teapot.Let's discuss some key points to remember when nurturing your teapot.1. After use, the purple clay teapot must be cleaned thoroughly; do not allow tea residue to accumulate. The unique dual-pore structure of purple clay teapots allows them to absorb tea flavors, but you should not leave tea leaves in the pot just to nurture it. Over time, this can lead to the buildup of tea scale, also known as "tea mountain," which is unhygienic.2. When using the teapot, it's best to use a tray or place a mat under the teapot. Many enthusiasts place their teapots directly on a tea tray, and when pouring water or tea, the liquid often spills over the bottom of the teapot. If not cleaned regularly, the bottom of…

Tea culture has a long history in China, with records of tea dating back to ancient times. Not only that, but there is also a significant emphasis on tea utensils, which are not chosen haphazardly. Even a simple teacup has its own unique considerations. So, how much do you know about Chinese tea culture and the various tea utensils used for brewing? The utensils for brewing tea can be categorized as follows: 1. Yixing clay (purple clay) tea utensils are both elegant and resonant. This type of material has been used for several hundred years and is characterized by a dual-pore structure, giving it strong adsorption capabilities. When used for brewing tea, it enhances the color, aroma, and flavor of the tea. 2. Porcelain and ceramic tea utensils are both delicate and substantial. These utensils are moderately priced and therefore make up a large proportion of all tea utensils. They come in various types such as celadon, fine earthenware, and colored pottery. 3. Artistic tea utensils are both innovative and exquisite. In recent years, the enthusiasm for art pieces has not diminished; instead, it has become increasingly popular. Consequently, artistic tea utensils have emerged and have been well-received. The above…

An object, originally just an object, but after being nourished by its owner for a long time, it can better blend with the owner's temperament, and thus gains a spirit. A Yixing clay teapot is such an object. As a popular brewing tool across the country, the goodness of a Yixing clay teapot can be summed up in six words: Easy to start with, and easy to maintain. 01 Easy to start with Even newcomers to the tea world can use it to brew tea that achieves a wonderful aroma, flavor, and appearance. 02 Easy to maintain This is shown by the noticeable changes over daily use as it matures and becomes increasingly "new". But do you really know how to “use” it? Before we talk about using it, let's first discuss Yixing clay. The common types of Yixing clay on the market can be roughly divided into: purple clay, red clay, and duan clay (segmented clay). Although Yixing clay has two contradictory properties—thermal insulation and breathability—the breathability of different types of Yixing clay actually varies. Duan clay has the best breathability, followed by purple clay, and lastly red clay. Because of its unique "double-pore structure", many enthusiasts have begun…

    Authenticity Guaranteed As with any artwork that gains value, forgeries are bound to follow, and purple clay teapots are no exception. Here are several ways to distinguish authentic purple clay teapots from fakes: First, the clay and its texture. The clay used in different eras comes from different veins, each with distinct colors, particle sizes, and luster. Early pots were made from clay closer to the surface, which gives them a rougher texture and lighter color. The "sky-blue clay" of the late Qing period differs from other historical clays; it was coarse enough to be engraved with bamboo knives and wooden seals. Second, the craftsmanship and technique. Purple clay artisans have their unique styles, such as the smoothness of the surface, the thickness and curvature of lines, and the sharpness or roundness of contours. Third, the spirit and aura. Genuine works by renowned artists possess an unimitable spirit and vitality, making this the most important criterion for identification. These artists combine exceptional artistic sensibilities, skilled craftsmanship, deep understanding of clay properties, and mastery over firing temperatures, resulting in distinctive pieces that stand on their own. Fourth, calligraphy and painting characteristics. The landscapes, flowers, birds, and figures depicted on the pots…

  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,…

How to nurture a beautiful teapot? This is the most frequently discussed topic and one that every enthusiast of teapot artistry wishes to delve deeper into. Here, I am willing to share my humble insights gained over many years of nurturing teapots for the reference of fellow enthusiasts in the teapot arts. Firstly, good clay. The proudest achievement in nurturing a teapot lies in the uniqueness of the purple clay material; the secret to successful nurturing primarily depends on the quality of the purple clay. Superior clay allows you to achieve twice the result with half the effort, fully enjoying the pleasure and sense of accomplishment in nurturing the teapot; inferior clay will make your efforts futile, leaving you with a tasteless experience and nothing but regret. Therefore, carefully selecting purple clay is the first step to successfully nurturing your teapot. Secondly, thoroughly clean the teapot. If it's a new teapot, be sure to remove the vaseline applied to the surface of the teapot (this can be done by boiling or using salad detergent to clean it); if it's an old teapot, wash away any accumulated grime on the surface. Whether it’s a new or old teapot, returning it to…

 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…

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…

All things in this world are truly complementary and contradictory, "Brother Fine Tea" since meeting "Sister Purple Clay," it's like a "lover" meeting his "pretty maiden," they are destined to be together forever, loving tea doesn't necessarily mean loving purple clay, but those who love purple clay will certainly love tea. Regardless of whether you love purple clay because of your love for tea or vice versa, once you're in love, no one can unravel this triangular relationship, the love, hate, affection, and resentment are not just a matter of "fate." Playing with pots should be done with a content and happy mindset. You must know that "there are countless good pots in the world, and it's impossible to collect them all in one lifetime." Many pots existed before you were born which you never got to see, many more you couldn't get after you were born, and even more masterpieces will remain out of reach after you pass away. Why worry about temporary gains and losses? Life is short, and we can only say "once had" about worldly matters, there's no such thing as "eternal." Which of the famous pots that have survived through the ages hasn't changed hands…

A purple clay teapot is an essential utensil for tea drinking. It’s hard but brittle, and it’s easy to accidentally drop the lid while using or handling the teapot. The consequences are naturally unsatisfactory; either the edge will be chipped, there will be cracks, or it may even shatter into several pieces. While the former, though affecting the aesthetics, can still be used with some effort, the latter can only be swept into the trash, causing much displeasure.In the purple clay industry, there’s a saying: “It’s easier to make three teapots than to match one lid.” From this, you can understand how complicated it is to match a lid. So someone came up with a solution: tie a string on the teapot so that the lid doesn’t detach from the body and get damaged. So, should a teapot have a string attached? Some say that tying a string shows lack of expertise.This statement might seem rather blunt, making people feel it’s not very understanding, causing a slight discomfort. But some do say this and present strong evidence: in the famous hometown of purple clay teapots, no one ties a string on their teapot when brewing tea. They focus on the…

The topic of how to properly prepare a new purple clay teapot for use has been discussed extensively. However, many newcomers to the world of purple clay teapots still fall into common traps. Here are some incorrect methods that you should avoid: Mistake One: Tofu Preparation Method "Boiling tofu can remove the 'fiery' quality of a new purple clay teapot, absorb earthy odors and kiln dust, and break down any residual substances in the teapot." ▲ Preparing a teapot with tofu Firstly, there is no such thing as a teapot having a 'fiery' quality. This term is used in traditional Chinese medicine to describe human conditions. Secondly, the claim about absorbing odors is baseless. If this were true, we would place tofu instead of tea leaves or charcoal sachets in new homes and cars. Furthermore, after being fired at over 1,000 degrees Celsius, it's unclear what residual substances could be broken down by boiling tofu. Mistake Two: Sugarcane Preparation Method "Sugarcane, with its natural sweetness and fragrance, can imbue the teapot with an unprecedented level of nourishment, laying a solid foundation for future brewing." ▲ Preparing a teapot with sugarcane The idea behind using sugarcane (or apples) for preparation is…

   Tea basket is a type of container. Lu Guimeng of the Tang Dynasty wrote a poem titled “Tea Basket,” which includes the lines, “The golden knife splits the emerald bamboo, woven like slanted waves.” From this, we can infer that a tea basket was a bamboo-made tea utensil with a slanted weave pattern. The term “tea cottage” mostly refers to the small thatched hut where tea people lived. In his poem “Tea Cottage,” Pi Rixiu of the Tang Dynasty wrote, "Perched on the sunny cliffs, this humble abode is alive and vibrant for days. Red water is drawn from the shed, and firewood and bracken are roasted before the hearth. After the old man grinds the tea, the middle-aged woman takes a break from pounding tea. Facing each other as they close the wooden gate, the fragrance fills the mountains under the moon." The poem depicts the arduous process of tea-making by the dwellers of the tea cottage, including roasting, grinding (crushing), boiling, and pounding tea. In ancient times, people used a charcoal stove to boil tea. Since the Tang Dynasty, the stove used for boiling tea was commonly referred to as a “tea stove.” According to the biography…

1. Gaiwan Ceramic Tea Set A gaiwan tea set is a type of tea ware that consists of a lid, a saucer, and a bowl. It is also known as the "Three Talents Bowl," with the lid representing heaven, the saucer representing earth, and the bowl representing humanity. Drinking gaiwan tea is full of flavor. If you want a stronger tea infusion, gently scrape the surface of the water with the lid, causing the tea to swirl around in the bowl. Light scraping results in a lighter infusion, while heavier scraping makes it stronger — this is its charm. 2. Aroma Cup The aroma cup is used for smelling the fragrance and is longer and thinner than a tasting cup. It is a unique piece of tea ware for oolong tea, often used when brewing highly fragrant Taiwanese oolongs. It is usually paired with a tasting cup of the same material, and adding a saucer creates a complete aroma cup set. Benefits include: one, good insulation which allows the heat to last longer, giving drinkers a chance to warm their hands by holding the cup's neck; two, slower release of aromas, allowing drinkers to fully appreciate and savor the scent.…

Yixing Zi Sha is an art form with a long history and rich appeal. The decorative arts have been developed through the research and creation of Zi Sha artisans over time. Different decorative arts have different effects when applied to different themes. This method of aligning decoration with the subject, the teapot, and the intention adds a cultural dimension to the Zi Sha teapot. The development of Zi Sha art has led to various decorative techniques, which are detailed as follows: Engraving: This is one of the main decorative techniques of Zi Sha. It uses a knife instead of a brush and engraving instead of painting, integrating poetry, calligraphy, painting, and engraving into a harmonious whole, with a strong national style and regional characteristics. Known as "Man Sheng Hu", "characters are passed down along with the teapot, and the teapot becomes valuable because of the characters," it made a historical contribution to the art of Zi Sha engraving. After the Qing Dynasty, Zi Sha engraving decoration became a specialized production process. The subjects and forms are extremely varied. Landscapes, flowers and birds, figures, and ancient patterns are all potential subjects for painting, while calligraphy is an indispensable decorative element. Regular…

The Drum-bellied Handle Pot and the square seal on the bottom reading “Made by Shao Yunsi” Early purple clay pots were mostly handle pots, as they were not used for steeping tea, but rather as water-heating utensils. With a handle, it was convenient to place them over fire or on a stove. Purple clay handle pots have been excavated from Song Dynasty kiln sites in Yangjiaoshan, Yixing, and the earliest dated purple clay pot in the Nanjing Museum collection is also a handle pot. It is said that Zhao Liang, one of the four great masters of the Ming Dynasty, specialized in making purple clay handle pots, but actual examples are hard to find. Some may exist without his mark, leaving their attribution uncertain. After the late Ming Dynasty, purple clay pots began to be used directly for steeping tea, but the handle did not disappear. To this day, handle pots are preserved as traditional purple clay forms. The pot shown in the figure is a purple clay handle pot, measuring 13.4 cm tall overall, with a flush-fitting lid, a flattened round knob, and a three-curved spout. Its body is shaped like a drum, both the lid and the base…

Teapots made to look old with shoe polish What is making a new teapot look old? Making a new teapot look old refers to the process of treating a new Yixing clay teapot so that it appears as an old one, which can then be sold at the price of an "old teapot." No matter what method is used to make a new teapot look old, it can usually be identified with careful examination. In the Yixing clay teapot industry, teapots made before 1949 are generally considered old, while those made after 1949 are called new. Making a new teapot look old is similar to doing the same with porcelain or jade, capitalizing on the Chinese preference for antiquity and ancient objects. Teapots made to look old with shoe polish In terms of texture, most new teapots do indeed lack the translucency of older ones. Old teapots tend to appear fine, smooth, and gentle, whereas new ones are rough and dry. The reason for this is that the quartz molecules and iron elements in the clay undergo changes during repeated exposure to hot and cold water. Additionally, the frequent handling by the owner during tea drinking gradually makes the surface…

A teapot enthusiast asked: My zisha teapot dries almost instantly after pouring water on it, does this mean the clay is of high quality? Many people enjoy pouring boiling water over their teapots while brewing tea to judge the quality of the clay by how quickly the surface absorbs water. They believe that chemically treated teapots have a smooth, wax-like surface that doesn’t absorb water, whereas teapots made from original, pure clay can rapidly absorb moisture due to the superiority of the clay. Today, let’s discuss what the “water absorption” of zisha teapots is all about. Do Zisha Teapots Really Have “Water Absorption”? In fact, the speed at which a zisha teapot absorbs water is related to the crystallization degree of its firing, the shape of the teapot, and the fineness of the zisha clay, among other factors. Generally, new teapots are more absorbent than those that have been used. A zisha teapot cannot absorb as much water as you pour on it; this is fundamentally a flawed theory. For a qualified zisha teapot, we control the level of its “water absorption” within a very small range, typically around 1.5% to 2%. Why Do People Think Zisha Teapots Have “Water…

The selection of tea utensils should take into account three factors: the occasion, the number of participants, and the type of tea. High-quality tea utensils paired with premium teas complement each other, enhancing the enjoyment of tea tasting. For example, for high-grade green tea, a clear glass cup without patterns or colors is recommended, as it not only suits the temperature needed for brewing green tea but also allows one to appreciate the color of the tea and the transformation of the leaves. For oolong tea, an elegant and rustic purple clay pot is ideal; for flower-scented tea, a lidded teacup that can retain fragrance and warmth is suitable. The choice of tea utensils also depends on the quality of the tea. For instance, for mid-range green tea with ordinary appearance, a porcelain pot would be chosen for brewing. The brewing utensils must be clean and intact, and when choosing them, attention should be paid to the coordination of colors, materials, and the harmony of the entire set of tea utensils. The arrangement of tea utensils should be logical, practical, and aesthetically pleasing, paying attention to the sense of hierarchy and the variation in lines. When setting up the utensils,…

When everyone first starts playing with purple clay teapots, they know nothing about the colorful varieties of purple clay. Then they gradually learn about types like purple clay, duan clay, red clay, and so on. At first, they think they've become proficient, but then they discover names like purple eggplant clay, old purple clay, red skin dragon, black star soil, golden duan, and more... which leaves them even more confused. I dare say that most enthusiasts are still at this stage: constantly exploring and collecting an endless variety of purple clay types. However, if you continue to delve deeper, you'll find that all the different types of clay are just derivatives or coexisting clays of the initial few types. They're only given different names due to differences in the color of the ore, the location of the mine, and the final color of the finished product. 1. Purple clay includes types like bottom groove clear (Dicaoqing) and old purple clay. The color range primarily spans from brownish yellow, brownish red, to chocolate colors. When assessing whether it's good quality material, pay attention to the particles. Personally, I believe that relatively correct purple clay materials will usually have a grainy feel,…

A high-quality Yixing purple clay teapot is unforgettable, and it should possess four characteristics: first, it must be beautiful, captivating at first sight; second, it must be appealing upon repeated viewing, never tiring the eye; third, it must have a certain charm, evoking a sense of wonder; and fourth, there must be a connection, making you think about it constantly. Beauty means that it is visually pleasing and stands out, transcending the ordinary in a sea of Yixing teapots, leaving an indelible impression and captivating one’s heart at first glance. It’s important to note that being visually pleasing doesn’t mean being overly flashy, and standing out doesn’t equate to being outlandish. Those artifacts that attempt to grab attention through bizarre shapes or grotesque decorations may have a visual allure, but due to their excessive flamboyance, they fail to be enduringly pleasing to the eye. Being appealing upon repeated viewing means that the teapot can withstand close and repeated inspection, always revealing something new and never becoming tiresome. Some teapots might initially shock with their impact, but further examination reveals poor craftsmanship; what appears alluring today becomes dull tomorrow. Fine Yixing art has spirit and soul. Capturing this elusive essence of…

Embrace the Magic of Flower Tea Flower tea is not just a beverage, it's a way of life. Whether you're seeking relaxation or simply enjoying its taste, brewing a cup of flower tea is a delight. Here, we will detail how to brew flower tea correctly so that you can enjoy a perfect cup every time. Select High-Quality Flower Tea Ingredients To brew a delicious cup of flower tea, you must start with high-quality ingredients. Whether it's rose, jasmine, or chrysanthemum tea, choose those with bright colors, intact petals, and rich fragrance. This ensures both great taste and additional health benefits. Prepare Suitable Water Quality and Temperature The quality of water used for brewing flower tea is crucial. It's best to use purified or mineral water to avoid the chlorine and impurities found in tap water, which can affect the taste of the tea. Water temperature is also key; different types of flower tea require varying temperatures. Generally, the ideal brewing temperature for flower tea is between 80°C and 90°C, ensuring the aroma and nutrients are preserved without being damaged. (Image source: Internet. Please delete if infringement occurs.) Master the Proper Amount of Tea Leaves The amount of tea leaves…

Drinking tea has become a great way for people to pursue health and tranquility. Chinese tea ceremony is about cultivating the mind and seeking self-discovery; it emphasizes stillness as the foundation of health, much like the tea ceremony itself. However, dear tea enthusiasts, did you know that the use of teaware also involves feng shui? Using them well can bring benefits, but using them poorly can be detrimental. Below, we will explain in detail the feng shui aspects related to teaware. First The teaware you purchase must be intact and undamaged; do not buy flawed or broken pieces, especially those with damaged spouts. A damaged spout can invite disputes and is also impolite when entertaining guests. Second Gongfu tea typically includes an electric stove, so when the water boils, steam circulates. This should ideally be placed at a prosperous location according to the facing star, to stimulate the flow of auspicious energy, truly achieving the effect of "wind and water rising." Third When selecting a tea table for your living room, if there's a sofa, choose a table that doesn’t rise above knee level. In an office setting, select chairs with backs higher than the tea table, ensuring support. Fourth…