Teaware

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…

"After crude molds are fired, each reveals its remarkable quality. Though seemingly made of clay, they emit a metallic or jade-like sound when struck," this is a five-character verse by the Qing Dynasty scholar Zheng Banqiao, succinctly conveying the charm and spirit of purple clay teapots. A lump of purple clay, after being shaped by skilled craftsmen into a work of art, experiences its first life; later, it becomes a cherished vessel for tea connoisseurs, who through continuous care, give it a second life. Whether a purple clay teapot can flourish with a second life depends on the owner's care. So, how do you know if your nurturing efforts are effective? "Daily handling of a contented teapot, green tea leaves and fragrant blossoms soothe the stomach," nurturing a teapot not only benefits one's health but also brings joy in seeing the pot gradually develop a lustrous appearance. So, how exactly can you nurture it to achieve the desired effect? Here are some key points to keep in mind: Basic Principles for Nurturing a Teapot 1. Thoroughly clean the inside and outside of the teapot before and after each use. 2. Moderate wiping: dry or wet. Dry wipe: After brewing tea,…

      1. Try to avoid dry burning. Do not heat the kettle when there is no water in it. Repeated and continuous dry burning will shorten the lifespan of the iron kettle and may even cause it to crack. 2. Prevent large temperature differences. A large temperature difference refers to a significant difference between the temperature of the kettle body and the water temperature. For example, adding hot water to a cold kettle or pouring cold water into a hot kettle. In such cases, there is a risk of cracking the kettle. A better approach is to alternate the use of two or more iron kettles. When you only have one kettle, you can replenish the water inside by adding hot water. 3. Keep the iron kettle dry. If there is still moisture left inside the kettle after use, it can easily rust. Therefore, you should use the residual heat from the kettle and stove to evaporate any remaining water inside, ensuring that the kettle stays dry.

Instructor Introduction Wang Lin Wang Lin is a teacher at Ziyang Vocational Education Center in Shaanxi Province, an outstanding instructor in the Shaanxi Provincial Secondary Vocational Skills Competition, and a top teacher at the municipal level in Ankang. She is also a national-level tea-tasting technician and tea art technician, as well as a senior etiquette trainer certified by the China Vocational Training Association. Wang has won third place in the national skills competition for teachers, first place in the Shaanxi Provincial skills competition for teachers, and first place in the Shaanxi Provincial secondary vocational school micro-course competition. Selection of Tea Utensils 01 Fusion of Tea, Water, and Fire "Tea is nourished by water, water is given form through vessels, and the infusion is completed with fire. All four are essential and cannot be absent." The importance of tea utensils was mentioned by tea lover Xu Chishu in his work "Tea Notes" as early as the Ming Dynasty. From this, we can see that choosing the right utensil to brew good tea is very important, as the correct choice often enhances the nature of the tea; conversely, it can alter the taste of the tea. Advantages of Glass Cups and Covered…

Veteran pot enthusiasts, when examining a pot,always pay particular attention to the bottom of the purple clay pot.What is so important about the pot bottom?Why can experts determine the quality of the pot just by looking at its bottom? The pot bottom hides a lot of unknown information.Hence, when examining a pot, one must look at its bottom!Dabin's pots feature bamboo knife wet engravings and seals; in the era of Man Sheng's pots, seals were abandoned, and now, in addition to seals on the pot bottoms, inscriptions are also added, sometimes even poems that harmonize with the pot's theme. The importance of the pot bottom has become increasingly prominent. Today, we will reveal the secrets of the pot bottom! Types of Pot BottomsPot bottoms come in square and round shapes, concave and convex, flat, ring feet, and raised feet, as well as ribbed patterns and tree stump forms. They can be roughly divided into plain bottoms, pressed bottoms, added bottoms (ring feet), and nail feet. There are two methods of joining: visible join and hidden join. Pots with straight and angular shapes are suitable for visible joins, while those with rounded and simple shapes are better suited for hidden joins.…

Purple clay is professionally known in the industry as purple clay ore, commonly referred to as five-color soil, and also known as "heavenly blue clay," "reddish-brown clay," "base groove clear clay," "bright red clay," etc. Generally, it refers to the basic raw material for making purple clay pots, a specialty of Yixing.It is found deep beneath the rock layers of Huanglong Mountain, between the "jia clay" strata. In Yixing, purple clay can be found in the clay mines within the Dingshu area. Products made from purple clay, such as purple clay teapots, rice cookers, vases, tea sets, and other purple clay crafts, owe their popularity largely to the tea-drinking culture. A notable feature of the purple clay teapot is that it does not overpower the aroma of tea and lacks a cooked scent; over time, even an empty pot will release a tea fragrance when filled with boiling water.The Aging Process of Purple ClayIn the field of purple clay, aged clay is generally referred to as aged or seasoned clay. This process is also known as soil nurturing and is commonly called storing the clay. It is one of the processing steps for purple clay ore. After the purple clay…

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…

 A newly fired purple clay teapot lacks luster and appears dull; it cannot be used directly for brewing tea. Therefore, before starting to use and maintain a new purple clay teapot, a series of processes must be carried out, which experts call "opening the purple clay teapot." Opening a purple clay teapot is a ritual bestowed by those who love purple clay teapots. Do not overly concern yourself with the process of opening the teapot; it simply means to start using the teapot. The primary purpose of opening a purple clay teapot is to remove impurities and the fiery smell within it, making its use more hygienic. There are various methods for opening a purple clay teapot, but the following four steps are the most practical: | Step One: Warm-Up | First, rinse the newly purchased purple clay teapot inside and out with boiling water to remove surface dust. Then, place the teapot in a clean pot without any oil residue and add water three times the height of the teapot. Boil for two hours to eliminate the earthy taste and the fiery smell. | Step Two: Cooling Down | Place tofu into the teapot and add water one time…

It is the continuous transformation during daily use that attracts so many enthusiasts of Zisha teapots. This ongoing change is what we call "nourishing the pot."Many pot lovers are puzzled during this process. A good pot may show changes after only ten uses, but some enthusiasts have had no patina develop even after a year of use. What could be the reason for this? Below, we mainly discuss several factors that determine the effect of nourishing a pot:The quality of Zisha clay itselfThe quality of clay on the market varies greatly. Some chemical clays simply do not nourish and remain unchanged after one or two years. On the other hand, high-quality clay makes the pot very delicate; some can even feel the changes immediately when exposed to boiling water.A Zisha teapot's clay is fundamental; even with excellent craftsmanship, without good clay, it would be like building a castle in the air, unable to withstand scrutiny.We often refer to Zisha clay as "original mountain, original mine," which refers to Huanglong Mountain. Compared to clay from other areas such as Changxing and Anhui, original mine Zisha clay from Huanglong Mountain is easier to nourish. Original Mountain ClayMost original mountain clays are flaky…

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,…

The process of nurturing a teapot starts from the very first use. To achieve a lustrous and smooth effect, besides having a good quality teapot, the correct care and maintenance methods are also crucial. Remember the following three points in your daily tea brewing routine: 1. Before Brewing Tea Preheat the teapot inside and out with warm water to remove any musty odor and bacteria (be mindful of temperature differences, use lukewarm water rather than boiling). 2. During Brewing During each brewing interval, wipe the teapot clean with a damp cloth (one that is absorbent) and then polish it with a dry cloth (soft). Consistency will bring out the teapot's warmth and luster. 3. After Brewing After using the Yixing teapot for brewing tea, clear out the leaves and tea water, then rinse the teapot inside and out with hot water. Do not use chemical cleaning agents; they can alter the aroma retained by the teapot and affect its sheen. In addition to the daily routine, follow these principles when nurturing your teapot: 01 To develop an outer patina on a Yixing teapot, frequently brew tea and rinse the exterior. After each brewing session, make sure to wipe the outside…

The Purple Clay through the Eyes of the Dingshan People What is purple clay? Purple clay is a type of stoneware, a ceramic product that lies between pottery and porcelain. It is a cultural heritage passed down from our ancestors and a shining diamond in the five-thousand-year history of Chinese culture. To the people of Dingshan, purple clay is not only a means of livelihood but also a form of culture. In their daily lives, the presence of purple clay is always evident. Flower pots for gardening, stone stools in courtyards, building materials for walls, jars for storing rice, discarded teapot lids repurposed as pen holders by artisans, chipped teapots used to hold vinegar at small wonton stalls under the big wooden bridge—whether flawed, discolored, or marred with blemishes, any defective teapots that cannot be sold find practical uses in everyday life. The love the people of Dingshan have for purple clay runs deep within their bones; it is unchangeable. Their confidence in purple clay has been passed down from generation to generation, never shaken! A person, a handful of earth, a clay teapot, and a city.

Throughout the development of tea history, the relationship between tea culture and tea wares can be directly attributed to the impact of tea culture on the evolution of tea wares. After all, the development of tea wares has progressed step by step based on the foundation of tea culture. So, how has tea culture influenced the development of tea wares and tea ware culture over time? Several thousand years ago, tea leaves came into existence. At this time, tea wares were not specifically used for brewing tea but were used together with wine utensils and other vessels. This situation persisted for thousands of years. After the Tang Dynasty, due to economic prosperity and people's pursuit of spiritual civilization, tea wares emerged. The tea at that time was usually in the form of compressed cakes, and the commonly used tea wares were made of ceramics. It is worth noting that glass tea wares had already appeared by then, but due to technological limitations, they did not develop further during the subsequent feudal dynasties. After the establishment of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang abolished compressed cakes in favor of loose leaf tea, which directly propelled the rapid development of purple clay teapots.…

Drinking Pu'er tea is best with porcelain cups, purple clay cups, glass cups, etc. Pu'er tea can be divided into raw and ripe teas based on its processing method. Raw tea has a stronger character and ample qi, with noticeable salivation and a sweet aftertaste. Ripe tea is mellow and smooth, with rich inner qualities. Using different types of cups—such as glass or porcelain cups—can authentically reproduce the tea's aroma, while purple clay cups can enhance the depth of the tea's flavor. Suitable Cups for Drinking Pu'er Tea Tasting Cup: As the name suggests, a tasting cup is used for savoring tea. In the eyes of many tea enthusiasts, the tasting cup is an essential piece of teaware that showcases one’s personal taste. Tasting cups come in various shapes and materials. When choosing a tasting cup, always adhere to the principle that it should not be hot to the touch and should be easy to drink from, selecting a cup that matches both the tea leaves and the teapot. Gaiwan: A gaiwan is a type of teaware consisting of a saucer, a bowl, and a lid, also known as a "three-talent bowl" or "three-talent cup." It can be made from…

The Qing Dynasty saw the emergence of black tea, oolong tea, white tea, dark tea, and yellow tea in addition to green tea, forming the six major categories of tea. Regardless of the type of tea, the brewing method from the Ming Dynasty of directly infusing tea leaves was still used. Under these circumstances, the types and forms of tea wares in the Qing Dynasty did not significantly deviate from the standards set during the Ming Dynasty. During the Qing Dynasty, teacups and teapots were typically made of clay or porcelain, with the Kangxi and Qianlong periods being particularly prosperous times for their production, especially those known as “Jingdezhen porcelain and Yixing clay.” Premium porcelain tea wares of the Qing Dynasty were mostly produced in Jingdezhen, Jiangxi, while production in Dehua, Fujian; Liling, Hunan; Tangshan, Hebei; Zibo, Shandong; and Yaozhou, Shaanxi also thrived but did not match Jingdezhen in terms of quality and quantity. During this period, in addition to continuing the production of blue-and-white porcelain and polychrome porcelain tea wares, new types such as pink-ground enamel and cloisonné enamel tea wares were created. Yixing purple clay tea wares of the Qing Dynasty developed further while preserving traditional techniques. During…

 Several unscientific methods of caring for a teapot! To brew a delicious cup of tea leaves, the selection of the tea pot is very important. Let's take a look at four unscientific methods of caring for a teapot. Four unscientific methods of caring for a teapot: 1. Shellac Method The shellac method involves pouring tea juice over the pot while brewing tea, believing that this allows the pot to absorb more nutrients. Moreover, neither wiping nor brushing is done. This method of caring for a teapot is unscientific as the pot will eventually be covered by a layer of tea scale, making its surface unsightly and dark. 2. Dry Rubbing Method The dry rubbing method involves rubbing the teapot back and forth with a dry tea towel, believing that this method results in a shinier pot. However, once achieved, the luster is most afraid of human hand oils and moisture. If the pot comes into contact with these, the previously hard-earned sheen can easily fade, resulting in uneven gloss on the pot’s surface. 3. Wet Rubbing Method The wet rubbing method involves wiping the pot body with a tea towel dipped in tea water while the pot is hot, constantly…

Most Jianshui purple clay artifacts, in essence, are the result of combining “form” with “shape.” Only by achieving as perfect a union of “form” and “shape” as possible can artisans create outstanding Jianshui purple clay works.The two homophonic Chinese characters have different meanings. “Form” refers to the shape of the artifact; it is fixed and static, and can be more broadly understood as tradition. When we speak of a certain form now, we refer to a shape that has been established over the course of history. Only when made in that particular way can it be called that specific form. “Shape,” on the other hand, is changeable and dynamic, with each artifact having a unique shape. Relatively speaking, Jianshui purple clay artifacts offer more expressive space in terms of “shape.” Artifacts of the same form can have one-of-a-kind “shapes” in their decoration, carrying distinct meanings. Negative engraving and positive filling, along with literati painting and calligraphy, make the “shape” of Jianshui purple clay artifacts infinitely variable. The Chinese ink and wash art displayed represents the emotional expression and individuality of the artist. The unique decorative technique of negative engraving and positive filling permanently embeds literati painting and calligraphy into the…

In the vast array of ceramic categories, the decorative techniques used on purple clay pots can be considered the most numerous and richly varied. Some enthusiasts may find their pots attractive but struggle to articulate what makes them so. Today, we will share several decorative techniques with you. Note: Carving, as a separate category, is not covered in this article. Twisted Clay This technique involves combining two or more differently colored purple clay materials through kneading or layering to create a patterned effect. The patterns produced through twisted clay are colorful and rich in texture. Stamping ▲ Stamping This refers to first carving the designed pattern onto a hard material template, such as wood or stone, and then pressing a clay sheet onto it. ▲ Stamping Since the template's pattern is recessed, the resulting clay sheet is raised, as seen in previously mentioned examples like the Man Sheng Crescent Moon and Roof Tile Teapots. Clay Painting ▲ Clay Painting Purple clay is beaten into a paste-like consistency and painted onto the body of the pot according to the design, creating a layered effect that is dense and refined. Applied Sculpture ▲ Applied Sculpture This is commonly used in decorative purple…

Zisha teapots can be works of art, but they are also practical tools. The water flow from a teapot directly affects its quality. Therefore, the type of spout hole becomes one of the considerations for some when selecting a teapot. The types of spout holes in zisha teapots have generally been divided into three categories throughout history. Single Hole The single hole first appeared during the Ming and Qing dynasties and is commonly found in antique shapes and smaller capacity teapots. The single hole provides the largest outlet for water flow, resulting in a powerful pour. Single Hole However, if handled roughly during use, tea leaves can easily enter the spout hole, causing blockages and disrupting the water flow. In earlier years, most teapot-making tools were made of bamboo, and spout holes were difficult to handle, often being created as single holes due to the high difficulty of their production. As a result, older teapots typically feature single holes, which are now relatively rare. Gauze Hole The gauze hole is one of the most common types today, with varying numbers of holes (seven, nine, fourteen, etc.). Because of the multiple holes, it filters out most tea leaves, ensuring a smooth…

Last July, collector Liu Yiqian purchased the “Meiyintang Collection Ming Dynasty Chenghua Imperial Chicken Cup” for HK$280 million and, in his excitement, used it to take a sip of Pu'er tea. This most expensive sip of tea in history has been the subject of much discussion. "The emperor's wine goblet, the tycoon's teacup." Today we will talk about this priceless "Chicken Cup." The Chicken Cup was originally an exquisite wine vessel and served as the personal wine cup of the Ming Dynasty Chenghua Emperor. It has a flared rim, shallow belly, and a splayed foot. The cup is decorated with a doucai painting of roosters, hens, and chicks, interspersed with rocks, orchids, and peonies, hence the name Chicken Cup. The doucai Chicken Cup from the Ming Chenghua period once enjoyed great fame. Every dynasty during the Qing era produced imitations, with those made during the Kangxi and Yongzheng reigns being the best, almost indistinguishable from the real thing. The Qing dynasty author Zhu Yan wrote in his book Ceramics Lore: "The best products of the Cheng kiln were the five-colored wares, and among wine cups, the Chicken Cup was the finest. During the reign of the Wanli Emperor, a single…

I once saw a so-called "expert" on TV imparting his experience, saying that if you remove the lid of a purple clay teapot and place it upside down on the table, and the spout, rim, and handle are in line, then it's a good teapot (this has misled many enthusiasts; this is related to the height of the spout and handle, not directly related to the quality of the teapot). If we were to select purple clay teapots based on this criterion, many national-level artisans and masters would be out of work. Don't be misled by such so-called experts! Misguided Tip Two Regarding the alignment of the three points. Some people strictly adhere to this standard and use a ruler to measure, deeming the teapot faulty if there's even a half-millimeter difference. This is overly nitpicky and would drive the artisans making purple clay teapots to the brink of madness. Misguided Tip Three Believing that when pouring tea, not a single drop should flow down along the spout. A severe drip is unacceptable, but being too extreme is also nitpicking. Many teapots cannot prevent dripping due to their overall shape (for example, the Shipiao or Hengshui styles), so a comprehensive…

Many newcomers to the tea ceremony often ask, what type of tea ware is suitable for beginners? Here's a small suggestion: when starting your tea journey, consider beginning with acquiring a host cup. So, what is a host cup? By definition, it's a cup specifically used by the host, distinct from those used by guests. It's a cup that represents your taste and personality on the tea table. There's a well-known saying in tea circles: "Without a personal cup, there's no complete tea session." On the tea table, you can often see that the cup used by the person brewing tea (the host) is different from the cups used by the guests. If you pay close attention, you'll notice that the host cup tends to be somewhat more exquisite than the cups used by guests. This article will introduce host cups based on their characteristics and types. How does a host cup reveal the host? A host cup can generally give an idea about the host's identity, taste, and preferences. Host cups come in various materials and designs, some featuring painted or carved patterns such as flowers, birds, mountains, and streams. The owner of such a cup usually has artistic…

1. After drinking tea, remember to dispose of the tea leaves and thoroughly clean both the inside and outside of the teapot. Note that when using a new teapot, remove any wax, oil, dirt, and tea scale from its surface. 2. If you find there is tea scale on your teaware, squeeze a small amount of toothpaste onto the teaware, then spread it evenly over the surface with your hand or a cotton swab. After about one minute, rinse the teaware with water. 3. Chop up some potato and put it in the cup, pour boiling water into the cup and let it sit for about 10 minutes. The tea scale will then be easy to wash off. Potatoes contain starch which has strong absorption properties, making it easy to remove the scale from the cup. 4. Place a small spoonful of orange powder or orange juice inside the teacup or teapot, fill it with water, and leave it for 2-3 hours. This makes the tea scale detach from the teaware, making it easier to remove. Different cleaning tools are used for different types of teaware materials 1. To remove tea scale from metal tea strainers, if the metal tea…

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…