Teaware

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…

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…

A teapot enthusiast asked a few days ago, "Why are purple clay teapots called such?" What exactly does the term "clay" refer to, and what role does it play in a purple clay teapot? 1: What Exactly Does "Clay" Refer To In Purple Clay? 1. Quartz particles (as shown by the white dots in the image below). This is according to the academic school of thought; 2. The physical cohesion of purple clay, as per the experiential school of thought. When discussing with others, it is essential first to clarify which concept is being referred to; otherwise, heated debates can ensue, with the experiential school thinking the academic one knows nothing, and the academic school viewing the experiential one as ignorant. The "double-pore structure" of purple clay is closely related to its quartz content. The "purple" refers to color, while the "clay" refers to its nature. When a purple clay teapot breaks, you can examine its fractured surface to clearly discern its unique structure. During firing, carbonate in the clay decomposes, releasing carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide gases that form bubbles. Some of these bubbles connect, forming an open "chain-like pore cluster," while others remain isolated within aggregates of quartz…

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…

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…

Drinking tea for health has become the choice of many office workers. The purple clay teapot is a commonly used tea utensil, but what kinds of tea are suitable for brewing in it? Does it have anything to do with the shape and size of the teapot? In fact, when using a purple clay teapot for brewing tea, apart from considering the type of clay used, you can also make choices based on the capacity and characteristics of the teapot's shape. So, what kinds of tea are suitable for brewing in a purple clay teapot? What rules should be followed? Black Tea: West Beauty Teapot, Rongtian Teapot The common feature of the West Beauty Teapot and the Rongtian Teapot is their large belly, deep body, and plump, round shape, which can fully bring out the aroma of black tea without damaging the leaves. As the color of black tea infusion is relatively dark, it is suitable to use darker colored clays such as Tianxing clay, blue-gray clay, or Dicaoqing clay for making the purple clay teapot. Oolong Tea: Duozhi Teapot, Dragon Egg Teapot Most oolong teas expand significantly after brewing, so teapots with slightly larger mouths, like the Duozhi Teapot,…

"After the crude embryo is fire-hardened, each one reveals its remarkable qualities. They seem to have mud for bones, yet when struck they sound like gold and jade." Recalling Dongpo of old, a good teapot, a few good friends, sitting and discussing the Dao, writing with brushes, the refined lifestyle of scholars was vividly portrayed. Nowadays, people living in a materialistic society need this kind of return to a higher realm, and perhaps this return starts with a cup of tea and a teapot... Among the various teapots used for brewing tea, purple clay teapots stand out due to their unique material, becoming a favorite tool among tea enthusiasts. Purple clay teapots enhance the flavor, color, aroma, and taste of tea, avoiding the taste of boiled water, allowing tasters to enjoy the perfect experience through taste, smell, and sight. How much do you know about purple clay teapots? How can you get started and choose your first purple clay teapot that suits you? Lovers of teapots should carefully read the following content~ 01 Understand Before Purchasing For those just starting with purple clay teapots, it's essential to learn about them before making a purchase and to study how to care…

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…

We often talk about the unique characteristics of purple clay teapots, such as their ability to retain fragrance when brewing tea and lack of cooked soup aroma. While the claim that they remain fresh even in summer might be an exaggeration, purple clay teapots do indeed have a distinctive “porosity” not found in other types of teaware. ▲ Brewing tea with a purple clay pot The porosity of purple clay teapots comes from their unique “double-pore structure,” which refers to the sand particles and their agglomerate structure within the clay material itself. ▲ Cross-section particles Purple clay materials used for making teapots vary in coarseness, indicated by different mesh sizes, leading many to wonder if the porosity of a purple clay teapot is related to its mesh size. Mesh Size The mesh size refers to the size of the purple clay particles. When we grind and sieve purple clay ore, we use a screen to determine the mesh size, with common sizes being 24, 32, 40, 60, 80, and 100 mesh. The smaller the mesh size, the coarser the clay particles; conversely, the larger the mesh size, the finer the clay particles. ▲ Cross-section particles The mesh size also affects…

Duan ni is a type of purple clay. A teapot made from duan ni is called a duan ni purple clay teapot. Duan ni can be basically divided into three types: original mine duan ni, old duan ni, and blended duan ni. Old duan ni is original mine duan ni that has undergone a certain period of aging. Golden duan and sesame duan are blended duan nis, such as sesame duan which is made by blending purple clay particles into Ben Shan green clay. Blended clay is primarily used to highlight the texture of the clay, and in recent years, many enthusiasts have come to appreciate it. The key lies in how well the blending is executed, and whether one likes it or not depends on personal aesthetic preferences. Duan ni purple clay teapots have some distinctive characteristics compared to other types of teapots. A characteristic of high-quality duan ni purple clay teapots is that the purple clay particles are not very noticeable. In Ben Shan green clay, they seem to only serve the purpose of altering its color. There are layers, like jade. Duan ni cannot be fired to achieve the pure Ben Shan green color; when fired, Ben…

The reason many friends like purple clay pots is that they "become increasingly mellow with prolonged use and tea drinking," but few are truly well-nourished in daily use. ▲Nourished patina When you see the pots that experts have nourished, they are warm and restrained, noble and elegant, making one envious. Yet, your own pot can easily become "dirty or patchy." Today, let's talk about the issues of nourishing a pot. Unable to Achieve Results The nourishment of a purple clay pot, also known as the patina, has a warm and subdued color, emitting a natural glow. This is the state of a purple clay pot after it has been nurtured. If you cannot achieve these results, there are several reasons: 1. The pot has been waxed or over-polished. 2. It is a slip-cast pot or a hand-pulled pot. ▲Not a natural shine These types of pots either have been treated on their surface or have added water glass and different processes. They are "already relatively shiny." Therefore, when using them, pot enthusiasts might feel that the effects of nourishment are not significant. A purple clay pot itself has a sandy texture. Before being fully nourished, it appears plain and simple,…

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…

Tea ware is a part of daily life, combining practical functionality with artistic creativity. Among its features, patterns are one of the most prominent aspects, reflecting both the wisdom of artists and the aesthetic tastes of the Chinese people. Ten specific patterns frequently appear on tea ware. Infant Play Scene The infant play scene depicts playful moments with children as the main subjects, often showing their recreational activities. This makes the tea ware lively and full of charm. Fisherfolk Joy Scene The Fisherfolk Joy Scene was widely depicted on Kangxi porcelain, representing the industrious labor and bountiful harvest of fisherfolk. When painted on tea ware, it carries the auspicious meaning of wishing for good weather and prosperity. Ladies Scene In China, ladies scenes are quite common. Under the skillful brushwork of artists, graceful and elegant women are vividly portrayed on tea ware. Enjoying the beauty of these figures while sipping tea is a reflection of the refined tastes of ancient times. Crane Pattern The use of crane patterns on tea ware dates back to the Tang Dynasty. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, graceful and elegant red-crowned cranes were commonly depicted. The crane pattern is favored by literati for its…

 The vessel is the father of tea. There are many considerations when it comes to choosing tea ware. Selecting the right set of tea ware is crucial for brewing a good pot of tea. So, tea-loving Chao-Shan friends, here are some tea ware basics you need to know. 1. The coarseness or fineness of the vessel's material is directly proportional to the degree of fermentation and age of the tea The less fermented the tea, the finer the material of the vessel should be. For example, green tea can be brewed in celadon or glassware, oolong in finer clay-based purple sand, and dark tea in coarse stoneware or coarser clay-based purple sand. The finer the material, the easier it is to bring out the warmth and smoothness of less fermented or unfermented teas. 2. The height of the vessel is directly proportional to the age of the tea In principle, the older the tea, the less it is affected by steeping, so a taller and deeper vessel can be chosen. Vessels like the Qin Quan or Han Duo in purple sand can effectively draw out the character of older teas. For delicate teas, lidless or shallow vessels are more suitable…

“Mud door” is a term often heard by enthusiasts of purple clay teapots. What does it mean? Simply put, it's a term used to describe the density or tightness of the particle distribution in the clay body of a purple clay teapot after firing. Low density is referred to as loose mud door, while high density is called tight mud door. Specifically, it relates to the preparation of the clay, the use of a slicking tool, and the pot-making technique. When identifying whether a teapot is fully handmade or semi-handmade, checking if the tightness of the mud door is consistent inside and outside the pot is one of the key methods. In brief, a fully handmade teapot is formed by hand using a bamboo paddle, so the characteristic of the mud door on the body is tight on the outside (surface) and loose on the inside (interior). The particles on the outer surface are densely distributed and become even tighter after the application of a slicking tool. However, the inner wall has not been pressed hard by hand but rather lightly shaped, so the particle distribution in a fully handmade teapot is relatively loose, meaning the mud door appears loose.…

Almost all pot enthusiasts are tea lovers. Because they enjoy drinking tea, they are particular about the utensils used for brewing, which is why they choose the brewing tool, the purple clay pot. However, to obtain a good tea-drinking experience, brewing is undoubtedly an important step, but storing the tea also has a significant impact. Many pot enthusiasts use purple clay pots for brewing and purple clay cans for storing tea, which shows how meticulous they are. But just as there are rules for nurturing a purple clay pot when using it for brewing, there are also several considerations when using a purple clay can for storing tea. Today, I will talk about how to store tea in a purple clay can, so your tea can be stored better. 1. Characteristics of Various Tea Cans Tea is a dried product that can absorb moisture and become damp, causing a change in quality. It has a strong affinity for water and odors, while its aroma is easily volatile. (Therefore, tea can also be used as a deodorizer, placed in the refrigerator to absorb odors.) If tea is not stored properly, it can deteriorate. Therefore, the type of container used and where…

Hello fellow teapot enthusiasts, have you ever come across this practice where some people, especially when nourishing their teapots at night, like to leave tea leaves and concentrated infusion inside, thinking that this will speed up the patina formation process, making teapot nourishment more efficient and convenient, while also being effective. Is this approach really correct? Can tea leaves and tea water be left in a purple clay teapot overnight? The answer is no. Leaving tea leaves and tea infusion in the pot overnight, once cooled, has no effect. Leaving tea leaves and tea infusion in the pot overnight for extended periods, particularly during hot summer days, can easily lead to the growth of harmful substances within the teapot. Purple clay teapots are prone to accumulating dark tea stains over time, which become very difficult to clean and may look rather unpleasant, diminishing one’s desire to drink tea. When nourishing a teapot, the hot tea infusion penetrates the pores as steam evaporates, bringing out tea oils onto the surface of the pot. Repeated wiping with a tea cloth forms a patina. Leaving tea leaves and tea infusion in the pot overnight, once cooled, has no effect. Leaving tea leaves and…

 It is often said that nurturing a purple clay teapot requires dedication. But how should one go about it? And where to begin? Here are seven aspects, commonly referred to as the "Seven Hearts" of teapot care. Happy Heart: Treat it as an interest in your life. It can enrich your free time and help you learn more about Chinese traditional culture. Approach the art of purple clay with a positive attitude, leading a simple yet fulfilling life. Cautious Heart: Be mindful to prevent knocks and bumps. Purple clay teapots are valuable, and any damage can significantly decrease their worth. Besides the financial loss, seeing a damaged teapot, even after repair, can be distressing. Calm Heart: Avoid being hasty or impatient. One day external care, the next internal care, one day Oolong tea, the next black tea, will not yield good results. Personally, I believe that nurturing a teapot is a process, the main focus being on enjoying the experience and the sense of achievement as the teapot changes. Ordinary Heart: No matter its value, every purple clay teapot has practical use. Do not neglect a less expensive pot, treating it casually. Purple clay, even if abundant, is a non-renewable…

Normally, when we drink tea, we do so at our leisure, not caring whether different types of tea require water of different temperatures or how much tea to put in. If you want a better tea drinking experience, these issues cannot be ignored. Different water temperatures and different amounts of tea can greatly affect the taste of the tea. 1. Water Temperature When boiling water for tea, use a strong fire to bring it to a rapid boil; do not use a slow fire to simmer the water. Water that has just boiled is ideal for brewing tea, producing a fragrant and tasty brew. If the water boils for too long, as the ancients called it, "old water." At this point, the carbon dioxide dissolved in the water has mostly evaporated, and the freshness and briskness of the tea are significantly reduced. In general, the water temperature used for brewing tea is positively related to the solubility of effective substances from the tea leaves in the water. The higher the water temperature, the greater the solubility and the stronger the tea soup; conversely, the lower the water temperature, the smaller the solubility and the lighter the tea soup. Generally, the…

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…

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.…

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…

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…

Some collectors do not understand the principles of nurturing a teapot and believe that simply placing it in a clean spot after purchase is sufficient. Thus, they often place the teapot in a display cabinet or pack it into a box, considering their task complete. Such a method of storing teapots is highly inadvisable. Newly purchased teapots should be carefully nurtured during tea brewing sessions before being stored. Using a teapot skillfully is actually the best form of maintenance, although this may not apply to rare purple clay artifacts. Tang Yun, a prominent contemporary collector of purple clay, liked to use his "Man Sheng" teapots in rotation for brewing tea just like ordinary teapots. He once said, “I don’t want to use antiques as mere decorations; I want to use them. If something can be used, I will use it.” Some guests would feel awkward when he served them tea brewed in such precious teapots. Mr. Tang would laugh and say, “These are merely external possessions; they should be used frequently. Only through frequent use can they become part of one’s inner self, achieving a state where both the object and oneself are forgotten. Most people do not understand this.”…