Teaware

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…

One cannot drink tea without tea ware, which refers to the specialized utensils used for brewing and drinking tea leaves, including pots, bowls, cups, trays, and saucers. The ancient Chinese were very particular about the artistry of their tea ware, which is another significant aspect of their tea-drinking culture. A set of exquisite tea ware paired with a fine tea that excels in color, fragrance, and taste can truly complement each other. As the custom of drinking tea grew in popularity and evolved over time, the variety of tea ware increased and the quality became more refined. At least ten types of tea ware are required for drinking Kung Fu tea. They are: First: Tea Pot In Chaozhou dialect, it is called "Chongguan," or sometimes "Su Guan," because it originates from Yixing, Jiangsu province, where the smallest type of Yixing clay pot is made. When selecting a tea pot, there are four criteria to consider: smallness, shallowness, evenness, and age. Tea pots come in various sizes, such as those suitable for two, three, four, or more people. Pots made by famous artisans like Mengchen, Tiehuaxuan, Qiupu, Epu, Xiaoshan, and Yuan Xisheng are highly prized. There are many shapes and sizes,…

Purple clay teapots need to be nurtured, and the more they are cared for, the smoother and more lustrous they become with a rich, understated sheen. This is what many teapot enthusiasts or newcomers to the hobby hope to achieve. Over time, the gradual infusion of tea juices, the continuous handling, dust, sweat, and even the prolonged rubbing of clothes and skin, along with the gentle caress of airborne particles, accumulate layer upon layer. They seep into the teapot, gradually forming a "weathered" sheen on its surface, which is known as "patina." It's similar to the oil-brightened appearance that a yoke would develop from long-term use in our childhood homes. This "weathered" appearance exudes a warm, reserved glow, much like the scholarly refinement of a Confucian scholar, quietly nourishing everything around it. It is not an ostentatious brightness nor the "falsified luster" of fake teapots but rather a luminous quality imbued with spirit through prolonged contact with the human body. Patina is a term used in the antiques trade, not just applicable to purple clay teapots. Items such as porcelain, wooden objects, jade, bronze, and even thin paper artifacts like paintings and calligraphy can develop patina after being weathered by…

 Savoring tea is a form of enjoyment and an art of living. The teapot, for the tea connoisseur, is the cradle that nurtures the tea leaves. It endures hardship and toil, silently holding and developing the aroma and flavor of the tea – this is both the task and spirit of a teapot. When selecting a teapot, one should not be confined to narrow considerations. After all, valuing rarity or prestige is more suited to antique collectors or experts. Generally speaking, a new teapot that meets basic criteria, if properly maintained and adept at developing aroma and flavor, is sufficient. Therefore, whether ancient or modern, a good teapot is always desirable. The teapot is the centerpiece of tea ware, and the focus of the tea brewing process that most influences personal experience. Thus, whether in selecting or maintaining a teapot, proper methods must be followed. This article lists seven key principles for selecting a teapot for your consideration. These are: aesthetics, material quality, pot flavor, precision, water pouring, balance, and suitability. Here they are: I. Aesthetics Everyone has different tastes when it comes to aesthetics. The aesthetics referred to here primarily concern personal preference. For the shape and appearance of…

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…

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.…

China is one of the world's major producers and consumers of tea. On our vast land, there are six distinct types of tea and nearly a thousand different varieties. The naming methods vary across these diverse categories. Various and distinctive naming methods are hallmarks of Chinese culture. Below, we will briefly explore some of the naming methods used for well-known Chinese tea varieties. 1. Naming based on the scenic mountains and rivers of their origin is common among the teas we drink. Examples include "West Lake Dragon Well" from Hangzhou, Zhejiang; "Yuhua Tea" from Nanjing, Jiangsu; "Putuo Buddha Tea" from Mount Putuo; "Huangshan Maofeng" from She County, Anhui; "Maoshan Qingfeng" from Jintan, Jiangsu; "Shennong Qifeng" from Hubei; "Jinggang Cuiru" and "Lingyan Jianfeng" from Jiangxi; "Tianshe Qifeng"; "Cangshan Xuegreen" from Yunnan; "Helin Immortal Tea" from Sichuan; and others. 2. Naming based on the shape of the tea leaves is also common. For example, "Melon Seed Tea" from Lu'an, Anhui, which resembles melon seeds; "Sparrow Tongue" from Hangzhou, shaped like a sparrow's tongue; "Pearl Tea" from Shengxian, Zhejiang, shaped like pearls; "Eyebrow Tea" or "Slim Eyebrow Tea" from Zhejiang, Anhui, and Jiangxi, resembling eyebrows; "Purple Bamboo Shoots" from Changxing, Zhejiang, shaped like…

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

Since its inception during the Ming Dynasty and flourishing in the Qing Dynasty, the Zisha teapot has developed for hundreds of years, with countless shapes. The most classic teapots are not only appreciated for their beautiful designs but also for their unique cultural connotations that resonate with many enthusiasts. Among them, there are ten classic Zisha teapot shapes, each with its own story or symbolism, conveying profound and enduring truths that elucidate the philosophy of life. 【Stone Spout】— Temperance The Stone Spout is a traditional classic style of Zisha teapot, elegant and upright. It is said that the original name was Stone Kettle, but during the Republic of China period, Mr. Jingzhou suggested the meaning "Of all the water in the world, I will drink but one cup," renaming it the Stone Spout Teapot, which has been used ever since. The Stone Spout tells us to be content with what we have and not to be overly greedy. Material desires are never fully satisfied, "With a thousand acres of fertile land, one can eat no more than three bowls per meal. With ten thousand rooms, one can sleep in no more than one bed." Excessive possessions burden us. 【Imitation Ancient】—…

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…

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…

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…

For those who love tea, teapots are a must-have. They make brewing your favorite type of tea, whether it's loose leaf or in bags, super easy. With a teapot, you can get all the taste and smell from your tea just right. There are lots of different shapes and styles of teapots out there. Each one has something special about it that makes making tea even better. The way a teapot is made - like its body shape or what kind of tea it's best for - really matters when you're looking to brew the perfect cup. With a teapot on hand, you can make more than just one cup at a time which is great for sharing with others. Brewing together brings people closer and adds to the fun of drinking tea as well as allowing loose leaf teas enough room to spread out fully enhances their flavor. Teapots often have strainers or infusers built into them too; this means no mess when using loose leaves because they keep everything tidy inside while pouring your drink ensuring nothing but smooth sipping. As we move forward, we'll look into how designs have changed over time including why certain shapes mean…

Wuyi Rock Tea is unique with its rock aroma, attributed to the "Ultimate Mountains and Rivers." In the tea world, it's often said that "water is the father of tea, and utensils are the mother of tea," highlighting the significant impact of tea utensils on the infusion and drinking experience beyond the tea itself. The correct brewing technique and suitable utensils are crucial in bringing out the "rock aroma." The development of local standards like the "Wuyi Rock Tea Brewing and Tasting Method" and group standards such as the "Wuyi Rock Tea Brewing and Tasting Utensils" further emphasize the importance of harmonizing "tea" with "utensils." Let's explore this together today. Brewing Utensil Selection 01 Selecting appropriate utensils based on the characteristics of rock tea primarily involves choosing a water heater, brewing tools, and tasting cups. 1. Choosing a Water Heater Brewing not only requires good water quality but also the right water heating equipment. Water heaters can be categorized by material into iron, copper, silver, stainless steel, glass, and clay pots, and by heating method into electric, alcohol lamp, and charcoal-based ones. Electric Water Heater From a material perspective, enthusiasts can choose clay, purple clay, or iron pots. Clay and…

      Glass, known to ancient people as liuli or lusili, is actually a colored, semi-transparent mineral. Tea wares made from this material give people a vivid and radiant feeling due to their bright colors and lustrous shine. The technique of making liuli in China started early, but it was not until the Tang Dynasty that with the increase in cultural exchanges between China and foreign countries and the continuous introduction of Western liuli wares into China, did the country begin to produce liuli tea wares. The plain, footed, light yellow liuli tea cup and the plain light yellow liuli tea saucer unearthed from the Famen Temple’s underground palace in Fufeng County, Shaanxi Province, which were offered by Emperor Xizong of the Tang Dynasty, are genuine Chinese liuli tea wares. Although their shapes are primitive, decorations simple, texture appears mixed, and transparency is low, they indicate that Chinese liuli tea wares had already emerged during the Tang Dynasty and were considered precious at the time. In modern times, with the rise of the glass industry, glass tea wares quickly became popular. This is because glass is transparent, lustrous, and highly moldable, so the tea wares made from it come in…

Why talk about this topic? It's inspired by frequent sincere requests from enthusiasts saying: I want to buy a teapot, no high demands, as long as it’s made of original mine clay. Others start with the first question: Is it original mine? The pursuit of original mine purple clay is a basic consensus among collectors and enthusiasts. This isn't some elitist prejudice; we must admit that in the minds of players, original mine material is like "noble offspring." So, what’s so good about original mine clay? The essential conditions for original mine clay refer to both the source of the mine and the fact that no chemical additives are used in the raw material extracted directly from the mine to make the clay. Good original mine purple clay contains many tender clays and is a combination of various minerals, especially with very high iron content. After firing, the color becomes dark and subdued, presenting an aged appearance. Additionally, good original mine clay has been aged for a long time, develops patina quickly, and is highly adaptable. In terms of texture, teapots made from original mine clay have a refined luster that is restrained and warm like jade. These are all…

Chinese people enjoy sipping tea, with the tea culture being passed down for thousands of years. The main components of tea culture include the evaluation techniques of tea leaves, artistic operation methods, appreciation of the tea-drinking environment, etc. The entire process of tea drinking is imbued with a beautiful ambiance, and in this overall process, tea utensils, as the foundation, are indispensable. Alongside the millennial development history of tea culture, the evolution of tea utensils can be said to be a beautiful landscape in its own right. The Tang Dynasty was the first peak in the history of ceramic development in China, and the flourishing of tea drinking at this time also spurred the development of tea utensils. During this period, tea utensils had a broader field for development. Archaeological excavations at kiln sites prove that, in addition to kilns such as Yue Kiln, Ding Kiln, Wuzhou Kiln, Yuezhou Kiln, Shouzhou Kiln, and Hongzhou Kiln, Northern kilns like Xing Kiln, Quyang Kiln, Gongxian Kiln, and Southern kilns like Jingdezhen Kiln, Changsha Kiln, and Qionglai Kiln were also producing tea utensils in large quantities at the time. This sufficiently demonstrates the close integration of ancient Chinese ceramic culture with traditional tea…

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…

It is often said that nurturing a purple clay teapot requires dedication. But how should one be dedicated? And where does one start? We have summarized seven aspects for you, commonly known as the "Seven Hearts of Nurturing a Teapot." Happy Heart: Treat it as an interest in life. It can enrich your leisure time and help you learn more about traditional Chinese culture. Approach the art of purple clay with a positive attitude, leading a simple yet fulfilling life. Careful Heart: Prevent knocks and bumps. Purple clay teapots are valuable, and any damage significantly reduces their worth. Besides the financial loss, it's also distressing to see a damaged teapot, even after repair. Calm Heart: Avoid being hasty or impatient. One day external care, the next day internal care, today oolong tea, tomorrow black tea; such inconsistency won't yield good results. Personally, I believe that nurturing a teapot is a process, primarily about enjoying the insights gained and the sense of achievement from the changes in the teapot. Ordinary Heart: No matter the value of the teapot, it has practical use. Don't neglect a less expensive teapot; treat it carelessly. Purple clay, even though abundant, is a non-renewable resource. By…

In the vast array of Yixing teapot shapes, many have evolved from each other, leading to a number of models that are extremely similar, often confusing enthusiasts. The most typical examples are the “Xishi (Beauty), Wndan (Pomelo), and Longdan (Dragon Egg)” round teapots. 01 Longdan Teapot The Qing dynasty's Wu Dingmei, in his work Yangxian Minghu Fu ("Ode to Yangxian Teapots"), wrote: "Round ones resemble balls, slightly elongated, known as Longdan." This is the earliest description of the Longdan teapot style. The Longdan teapot is particularly endearing, with an oval line forming its basic outline. Its shape is simple, smooth, and robust, creating a strong overall impression. The Longdan teapot is also known as the "Longdan teapot," named for its resemblance to a dragon's egg. ▲ Qing Dynasty Longdan Teapot The Longdan style retains traces of the Ming dynasty aesthetic, favoring naturalness, strength, and simplicity in its design. This is an early Qing piece, featuring a straight spout, sturdy and practical. ▲ Qing Dynasty Longdan Teapot This is a mid-to-late Qing piece. The spout has been modified, and this version has become a classic design passed down through generations. It features a triangular cone-shaped spout that starts thick at the…

Tieguanyin, a traditional Chinese tea, belongs to the Oolong category and is one of China’s top ten famous teas. It is classified as a semi-fermented tea. Many people enjoy drinking Tieguanyin. If you're going to brew Tieguanyin, I would recommend trying a Zhu Ni (Red Clay) teapot. Zhu Ni and Tieguanyin are often paired together, making the Zhu Ni teapot the preferred choice for brewing Tieguanyin. Zhu Ni teapots have a high density and contraction ratio, which enhances the aroma of the tea. Using this teapot results in a tightly bound, smooth tea soup with a long-lasting aftertaste and strong sweetness. The characteristics of the teapot are quite unique. Six One Hall Dahongpao Cigar Section A Zhu Ni teapot of around 200 ml is more suitable for drinking Tieguanyin. The teapot can quickly reach a high temperature, which meets the requirements for brewing Tieguanyin. In addition to Zhu Ni teapots, Zi Ni (Purple Clay) teapots are also good due to their broad applicability. How to store Tieguanyin? There are five factors that affect the quality of tea: moisture, temperature, air, light, and odor. Generally, low temperatures and vacuum-sealed storage are required to preserve the color, aroma, and taste of Tieguanyin…

 When purchasing a purple clay pot, enthusiasts usually fear two things the most: first, buying a fake purple clay pot, and second, buying one made with chemical additives. So how do you choose a good purple clay pot? Look at the Texture Pure purple clay pots have a restrained luster, a texture like warm jade, a stable color, and an aged appearance. With high-quality clay, you can see the effects of use within half a month. Pots made from clay with chemical additives show little change no matter how much they are used; they remain dry. Although they can create a so-called mung bean paste effect, the surface glaze (due to the addition of wood shaving water, also known as quartz water) prevents the tea water from being absorbed, and oils from handling cannot penetrate the surface. Thus, such pots will not develop a patina. Check the Water Absorption Genuine purple clay pots, except for red clay and some dun clay varieties, generally have strong water absorption properties. This is why it's often said that tea brewed in a purple clay pot tastes better than in other types of teapots. Pots made from clay with chemical additives typically lack water…

Many people have been curious about whether a purple clay teapot will scald your hand when brewing tea, and they believe that a purple clay teapot does not get hot to the touch. Some even think that if a purple clay teapot does scald your hand when brewing tea, it might be a fake one. In fact, different people have different views on whether a purple clay teapot gets hot when brewing tea, and this is quite normal. If a purple clay teapot really does scald your hand when brewing tea, is that normal? A purple clay teapot does indeed conduct heat slowly, but compared to vessels made of materials like glass or ceramic, slow heat conduction doesn't mean it absorbs no heat. When water is poured in, the teapot won't scald your hand within a few seconds, but over time, the heat will certainly radiate out. After all, it's boiling water at 100 degrees Celsius; how could it not scald your hand? Saying it doesn't scald your hand might mean you have thick calluses on your hands or the water isn't hot enough. When brewing tea, the water fills the entire pot, and in the enclosed space, the evaporated…

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…