Teaware

The method of initiating a new teapot, known since ancient times, has generated many different approaches. Suggestions range from boiling the pot with tofu, sugarcane, or tea, to simply using water, and even adding banana peels—everything but adding monosodium glutamate (MSG) and soy sauce! Various enthusiasts have imitated these methods, enjoying the process of initiating their teapots. The initiation is an indispensable procedure. So, how should one correctly initiate a new purple clay teapot? This article will reveal the answer. A freshly made purple clay teapot, having gone through the kiln's fiery test, is covered in dust, looking coarse and dull, but after prolonged use, it reveals a warm and lustrous appearance. Upon receiving a new teapot, one should not immediately start brewing tea, as some cleaning and preparation are usually required before first use, this process is known as "initiating" the teapot. Initiation Steps Cleaning Clean both the inside and outside of the teapot, wipe away any dust and impurities with a soft tea cloth. Warming the Pot Rinse the teapot with warm water, then fill it with boiling water and pour more boiling water over the exterior of the pot. This step both warms and awakens the teapot.…

There are two types of teapot enthusiasts: those who love duanni, and those who do not. For those who dislike it, a moment's inattention can result in the pot looking grubby and even blackened in places. This instantly sours their appreciation, leaving them to rue their decision to purchase a duanni teapot.However, once a duanni teapot has been nurtured, its transformation is remarkable and exceptionally beautiful, evoking a deep sense of affection. This aesthetic pleasure and sense of achievement are likely only fully appreciated by those who adore duanni. As such, many teapot aficionados have a love-hate relationship with it.Duanni is essentially a coexisting deposit of green and purple clays. In the local dialect of Yixing, "duan" sounds like "tuan," hence why duanni is also called tuanni. Its light color means that improper care can lead to noticeable stains, which polarizes opinions—those who love it, love it deeply, while those who don't feel entirely indifferent.In "Seeing or Not Seeing" by Cangyang Jiacuo, he writes, "You see, or you do not see me; I am there, neither sad nor joyful." Similarly, duanni remains unchanged regardless of whether one likes it or not, unaffected by external preferences or personal emotions. The beauty…

 Yixing purple clay teapots, like Jingdezhen ceramics, are already world-renowned. The most prominent feature is that they do not alter the original flavor of tea, “trapping the aroma and releasing the warmth,” and with prolonged use, they can absorb the fragrance of the tea. This is because the pores in purple clay teapots are relatively large, they have a high water absorption rate, and also good breathability, so they can maintain the color, aroma, and taste of tea for a longer period. For daily maintenance, please note: after use, keep the inside of the teapot dry and avoid accumulation of moisture; when not in use, store it in a well-ventilated area, do not place it in a stuffy location, and it should not be wrapped or sealed; avoid contact with oil stains, and do not place it near places with excessive smoke or dust; actually brew tea, the more times you use it to brew tea, the more tea essence it will absorb; cleaning with a brush or cloth should be moderate, after pouring tea over the surface, use a soft-bristled small brush to wash away any residue, rinse with boiling water, then wipe lightly with a clean tea towel;…

Many teapot enthusiasts choose to use purple clay teapots when drinking tea, one reason being that over time, with the continuous soaking in tea water, they become smooth and lustrous, which is referred to as “forming a patina.” ▲ A lustrous patina Thus, nurturing the teapot becomes a subject of study for every user and lover of these teapots. However, upon closer examination, we can discern three levels of nurturing a purple clay teapot. Let's delve into them. 1. Seeking But Not Achieving "Seeking but not achieving" is something many novice teapot enthusiasts encounter. Despite trying various methods, the teapot shows no change or fails to develop a beautiful patina. ▲ Tea stains on the bottom of the pot In previous articles, we have analyzed that this can be due to several reasons: Reasons related to the teapot itself: Novice enthusiasts may have purchased slip-cast or hand-pulled teapots or teapots made from inferior clay, all of which can lead to failure in developing a patina. Reasons related to the method of nurturing: For example, failing to clean tea residue regularly or allowing the teapot to come into contact with oil, which can result in uneven coloring on the teapot body.…

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…

Purple clay teapot has the "Five Treasures," and you will like it more and more! What are the "Five Treasures" of purple clay? In the practice of brewing tea, people have summarized the superiority of the purple clay teapot, which can be summed up in five major advantages: 1. Preservation of color, aroma, and flavor The high iron content in purple clay, after being fired at around 1200°C, causes the molecules to rearrange into a scale-like structure, forming numerous open and closed dual pores. This unique highly dense porous physical structure has strong adsorptive power. Due to the dual porosity, the teapot is breathable but not permeable, so when brewing tea, the color does not change, the aroma does not dissipate, and the flavor is not delayed. 2. Quick recovery of vitality Although tea brewed in a purple clay teapot can remain fresh overnight without turning sour or developing an odd smell even if left for a long time, if the teapot is not used for a while and stored improperly, it may develop an off-flavor. Simply rinse the teapot several times with alternating hot and cold water, and the teapot's vitality can be restored, allowing the true taste of…

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 greatest charm of a purple clay teapot lies in its collectible value. A well-made and aesthetically pleasing purple clay teapot, cared for with the right methods over time, will see its value increase gradually as time goes by. Works by renowned masters are particularly sought after, as the saying goes: "What use are earthly jewels, compared to a single ball of clay from Yangxin." This has led some unscrupulous merchants to produce fake purple clay teapots in pursuit of profit.In particular, "ghost-made" teapots have been a hot topic in recent years. Those familiar with teapots can easily distinguish them, but newcomers who are not in the know still find it difficult to tell the difference! When you see a purple clay teapot, start by comparing it to the artist's classic styles or similar models, analyzing aspects such as material used, forming technique, effort put into the work, and artistic style:Material: If the artist is skilled in making purple clay teapots, they usually pay close attention to the materials used. They have personal preferences when it comes to choosing clay and would not use unfamiliar materials. Forming Technique: This refers to the artist's forming habits, which leave traces on the…

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…

For many who enjoy drinking tea, there's a common annoyance—the accumulation of tea stains on their utensils. How can one easily clean these utensils? Proper maintenance not only keeps the tea more healthful for consumption but also ensures that the buildup of tea stains, which can be detrimental to health, is minimized. Most people tend to use steel wool (scrubbing balls) or loofah sponges, which are relatively abrasive cleaning tools, to scrub away the stains. While this approach is effective, consider that using such rough tools can easily damage the glaze on the surface of your tea utensils, gradually wearing it down. Over time, the tea stains will seep into the utensils themselves, causing them to take on the color of the tea and making them impossible to clean. The best method for cleaning is to, after each session of drinking tea, promptly dispose of the leaves and rinse the utensils with water. Maintaining this good habit over time means you won't need any cleaning tools, and your utensils will remain bright and glossy. However, many people often neglect cleaning their utensils right after drinking tea, instead opting to rest or do something else. By the time they remember to…

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…

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…

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…

Among the many types of purple clay teapots, what shape do experienced tea connoisseurs prefer? Experienced tea drinkers have sampled a wide variety of teas and naturally understand the aroma-enhancing capabilities of purple clay teapots. They collect various types of teapots, and among them, round-shaped teapots are the most frequently chosen. What are the appealing features of round-shaped purple clay teapots? 1. Easy to Handle For a tea connoisseur who enjoys sipping tea, a purple clay teapot is an object that should never be far from their hands. Whenever they have free time, they like to start brewing tea. Why do most people lean towards round-shaped teapots? After brewing tea, round-shaped teapots are easy to hold and play with. When brewing tea, hot tea water can be poured over the teapot, allowing the color of the tea to seep into the teapot. After drinking the tea, you can hold the teapot in your hand and caress it all over, which is enjoyable. Over time, the luster and water color of the teapot will become outstanding. With a square teapot, one can only admire it on the table. Square teapots have sharp edges, making them uncomfortable to hold and caress, unlike…

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…

Zhuni teapots, mostly small in size, are adorable and thus widely loved by teapot enthusiasts. However, due to the relatively low reserves of zhuni, high-quality zhuni is rather rare and precious, making it a common target for clay counterfeiting. Genuine Zhuni West Lake Lady Teapot So how can one buy authentic, genuine zhuni? Please read on. The classification of genuine zhuni generally divides it into three types: Huanglong Mountain Zhuni, Small Coal Mine Zhuni, and Zhaozhuang Zhuni. 1. Huanglong Mountain Zhuni is a thin layer of oily clay found between the top yellow stone and purple clay deposits. After firing, it appears unpolished and lusterless, with an orange-red color. 2. The Small Coal Mine area is abundant in zhuni production, with the largest output. When fired, its color is bright and vivid. 3. Zhaozhuang is famous for producing red clay. Zhaozhuang Zhuni is the fatty clay found between rotten yellow stone and red clay deposits, which is also scarce. After firing, its color is dark red. Genuine vs. Fake Zhuni Genuine zhuni comes in only one form: Zhuni raw stone is weathered and then sieved through a screen of a certain mesh size, water is added, and it is mixed…

Chinese people have been drinking tea for several thousand years. As a common beverage in daily life, tea has a fresh and elegant flavor that can quench thirst as well as promote health, making it a favorite of many. While everyone loves to drink it, not everyone knows how to correctly choose a container for brewing tea. Brewing tea requires the right container. In addition to good tea and good water, the right vessel is also essential. In daily life, the choice of what teaware to use depends on the type of tea, the number of people, and local tea-drinking customs. Green tea: Fine and precious green teas such as West Lake Longjing, Dongting Biluochun, Junshan Silver Needle, and Huangshan Maofeng are best brewed in transparent glass cups, which allow you to observe the slow unfolding, movement, and transformation of the leaves in the water—a process known as "tea dance." Second- and third-grade stir-fried green teas, pearl tea, and baked green teas are mainly enjoyed for their taste or to quench thirst and can be brewed in porcelain cups. Lower-grade green teas contain more fiber, are more durable when steeped, and have a stronger flavor, making them suitable for brewing…

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…

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 Beauty of Harmony Harmony with all teas. Tea lovers know that green tea should be drunk from a glass cup and oolong tea from a lidded bowl, but the purple clay pot can be used for both green tea and the currently fashionable Pu'er tea. Since people's tea drinking habits changed in the Ming dynasty, the purple clay pot has become the best vessel for drinking tea. At that time, there was only green tea. It wasn't until the mid-Qing dynasty when fermentation techniques were developed and the variety of teas increased that people discovered that the purple clay pot is suitable for all types of tea and can brew the best results. Porcelain is ranked first among tea utensils, whether it is the noble Pu'er or Dragon Well, or even the Jasmine tea of country folk, when placed in a purple clay pot, it will emit the purest aroma and flow out the truest color. Harmony with all things under heaven. Fruits, pears, peaches, human figures, and creatures leap out of the hands of the pot maker, naturally bringing different emotions and wishes to the pot. There is a pot named Wave Spike, said to have been the…

Celadon, the pinnacle of glory in the history of Chinese ceramics, and Plums Green is the finest of celadons. How many are enchanted by that lustrous verdure? On scorching summer days, tea is most appropriate. Prepare a set of Plums Green celadon tea wares. Just one glance brings a sense of coolness. The Plums Green celadon evokes memories of green plums hanging from branches on rainy early summer days at first sight. This fresh and elegant aura easily stirs memories of youth. Green glaze is the earliest colored glaze in China. The yellowish-green glaze of proto-porcelain during the Shang and Zhou dynasties marked the early stage of green glaze. By the Han dynasty, pure green glazed porcelain had been produced. By the Tang dynasty, it reached perfection and was acclaimed as "the verdure of a thousand peaks." Plums Green, the finest of celadons; and celadon, the pinnacle of glory in ceramic history. The Plums Green glaze has a gray base tone, with hues of green and blue, the glaze layer is thick like congealed fat, and the glaze surface is lustrous and clear. Its beauty cannot be fully appreciated at first glance, and its charm is indescribable. The exquisite Plums…

Tea enthusiasts may have had the experience of buying a variety of cups when they first started learning about tea, such as bell-shaped cups, heart-shaped cups, slim-waist cups, blue-and-white thin porcelain, Ru kiln pieces with crackle glaze, Tenmoku bowls… Tea ware provides a direct sense of beauty, a form of aesthetic that can be touched by the senses, and so many tea lovers are connoisseurs of tea ware. If they find you kindred in spirit, they could tell you all about the history and origin of their tea cups in great detail. The appreciation of tea ware is similar to drinking tea, requiring careful savoring and discernment to notice subtle changes and discover finer beauty... Initially, I was fond of polychrome ware due to its rich colors that easily attract attention. Over time, however, I found that understated green tea ware is also appealing, as it endures solitude and becomes more flavorful with use. It can be paired with any type of tea, and the empty spaces give us room for imagination, resonating with the essence of tea. Gradually, from chance encounters with cups, I began to desire to own my own cup and embarked on the journey of "nourishing"…

Is it necessary to inaugurate a new purple clay teapot? A newly made purple clay teapot lacks luster. Inauguration is not mandatory, but it can help remove unwanted odors and clear any residual heat and dryness, so it is recommended. For good black tea, Pu'er tea, aged white tea, and oolong tea, one should pair them with a fine Yixing purple clay teapot, which enhances the ambiance and experience of tea drinking. Many newcomers to the world of teapots are often misled by various inauguration methods found online. In fact, a new purple clay teapot can be used directly after being cleaned with water; there is no need for a complicated inauguration process. Firstly, the master believes that whether inaugurating or nurturing the teapot, one should follow nature and use simple yet effective methods. There are two inauguration methods commonly found online: one involves using tofu placed inside the teapot and then simmered in a pot, while the other replaces tofu with sugarcane, both cooked in a similar manner. Neither method is advisable, in the master's opinion. How to properly inaugurate a teapot? The main purpose of inauguration is to address the residual earthy taste and kiln dust within the…

Tang Dynasty tea utensils During the Kaiyuan period of Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty, people across the country, regardless of their religious beliefs, made drinking tea a part of daily life. It was during this time that tea culture developed and the production of tea utensils entered an upward trajectory. This stimulated the production of Tang Dynasty ceramics, and places that produced tea also promoted the development of local kilns. Yuezhou, Shouzhou, Wuzhou, and Qiongzhou were all known for both abundant tea and ceramic production. Due to differences in social status, people's pursuit of the use value and cultural value of tea utensils varied. The imperial court favored luxurious utensils made of gold, silver, jade, and other precious materials. Commoners, on the other hand, preferred utensils that were economical, practical, and aesthetically pleasing, mainly using ceramic tea sets. Tea Bowls According to archaeological records, Tang Dynasty porcelain bowls have been unearthed in many regions across the country. Although these bowls from different kilns had distinct regional characteristics, they shared one common feature: they all produced wide-mouthed bowls with slim bases and a flat bottom resembling a jade disc. In "The Classic of Tea – Chapter Four: Utensils," Lu Yu…