Porcelain

The European tea wares, though not as culturally profound as the Chinese ones, surpass them in design and decoration. The exquisite silver tea wares of Europe are a prime example in this regard. Today, we share with you content from Chapter Five of Yu Yue's book, Tea Fun in Various Colours: The Dissemination of Chinese Tea Abroad and Foreign Tea Affairs (published by Guangming Daily Press in August 1999). In the 17th century, the upper echelons of European society used porcelain teapots for tea drinking. Soon after, silversmiths created pure silver teapots and teaspoons. From 1755 to 1760, they began crafting silver-plated teapots with high artistic value. The early British silver teapots were most distinctive in the 18th century and were exported to American colonies in large numbers. Due to the preciousness of tea at the time, early silver teapots were mostly small. Some were lamp-shaped, some pear-shaped, with the lamp shape being the earliest, starting production in 1670. Pear-shaped silver teapots first appeared during Queen Anne's reign and remained popular through the ages. The first pear-shaped teapot in America was created by Boston's Cony, which is considered the oldest teapot on the continent. During King George I's reign, Lin…

Choosing a teapot based on the tea you intend to brew involves continuous exploration and practice. It requires comparing and analyzing during the process of brewing, so that the teapot complements the tea and the tea nurtures the teapot, achieving a harmonious balance. Once a purple clay teapot has been well-maintained, Professor Shen from China Porcelain Library suggests trying it out with different types of teas, then deciding which type of tea best suits the pot based on personal experience. After that, stick to using the pot for that specific type of tea, ensuring "exclusive use for a specific purpose." In the process of selecting a teapot for tea or vice versa, one can appreciate the subtleties of "drinking tea with intention." As more people develop an understanding of teapots, the return to a scholarly ambiance has become the current theme. Many are seeking environments imbued with an antique flavor, simply because the world moves too fast and they have less and less time for themselves. Purple clay teaware offers the conditions necessary to satisfy this desire. Many traditional teapot shapes that have been passed down through history, such as the Shi Piao, Jing Lan, Seng Mao, Tuiqiu, Qiduan, Huling,…

Pu'er tea: How should it be stored for the best results? For tea intended for consumption in the short term, it is recommended to store it in a sealed aluminum bag. Open when breaking up the tea, and return it to the sealed bag after taking out what you need. In addition to sealed aluminum bags, you can also choose airtight glazed porcelain jars, tightly sealed tin cans, purple clay pots, etc., as long as the seal is secure, it will prevent excessive oxidation. Some people have the habit of storing broken tea leaves in a purple clay pot, but this might actually lead to excessive oxidation, diminishing the taste of the tea. This is because the tea in a purple clay pot comes into contact with oxygen, which can eliminate substances that cause off-flavors, bitterness, and sourness. However, if left for too long, it can lead to a dispersed texture and significant degradation of active compounds. Therefore, it is not recommended to store Pu'er tea in a purple clay pot for long-term preservation. How should Pu'er tea be stored long-term? First, store it in a sealed container in a clean, dark, and humidity-controlled environment. Second, compressed tea is preferred,…

How to buy tea has always been a challenge for ordinary tea enthusiasts. It’s easy to be misled by merchants and fall into traps. Here are some common pitfalls—see if you’ve fallen for any of them. 01. Misconception One: Blind Faith in High-altitude Tea In the tea world, there is a saying, “High mountains produce fine teas,” which means that high-altitude teas have strong aromas and good taste quality. Why do “high mountains produce fine teas”? This is because the fresh and refreshing flavor comes from amino acids, whose content is inversely proportional to temperature and sunlight. Generally, the temperature is lower at higher altitudes; for every 100 meters increase in altitude, the temperature drops by 0.6°C, resulting in a 6°C difference at 1000 meters. High mountains often have fog, and when sunlight hits the fog layer, most of it is reflected back, with only scattered light reaching the tea leaves. With less light and lower temperatures, the fresh and refreshing flavor is higher. However, “high mountains produce fine teas” is not an absolute rule. If the altitude is too high and the temperature is too low, the tea may not grow well. After passing through the fog layer, ultraviolet…

The American Consulate in Xiamen's Gulangyu, Thriving on Tea The Boston Tea Party in December 1773 is often cited as the beginning of the American Revolution. Where did the Chinese tea come from? Was it from the port of Guangzhou or another port at that time? According to my current knowledge, scholars in China have not paid attention to this detail. In 1925, the English-language magazine "The China Weekly Review" (also known as "Millard's Review") published in Shanghai carried an article titled "Xiamen Tea Initiated the American Revolution," which quoted information from the National Geographic Society of America: "It was in Xiamen, one of the world’s main tea ports, where tea loaded onto ships in December 1773 led to the American Revolution a few months later." "Few people know that the port of Xiamen has a place in the history of the American Revolution." **The Starting Point** During modern times, the black tea consumed by Europeans mainly came from Fujian tea regions centered around the Wuyi Mountains. Tracing back to history, it was from the port of Xiamen that the British East India Company began its tea trade with China. As early as 1644, the British East India Company established…

Green tea is characterized by its elegant appearance, fresh and sweet taste, and rich aroma. Therefore, drinking green tea is not only about the taste of the tea infusion but also about appreciating the process of brewing green tea. 1. To brew green tea, a glass cup or white porcelain cup is preferred. Glass cups and white porcelain cups better showcase the beauty of green tea and help achieve a great tasting experience. 2. When brewing green tea, the water temperature should be carefully considered. For delicate green teas, the water temperature should be slightly lower, around 85 degrees Celsius. 3. To brew green tea, place approximately 2 grams of green tea into the cup, then pour in hot water, and once the tea infusion has cooled slightly, it is ready to drink. 4. A useful tip for brewing green tea is refilling the cup. Many green teas are not very robust, so when there's about one-third of the tea left in the cup, refill it with more hot water. This will make the green tea more durable and prevent the tea from becoming too hot in the cup.

The term “zhan,” seldom mentioned these days, is much like the object it represents, no longer used in everyday life. According to the dictionary: a zhan is a small, shallow bowl. So what is Jian ware? Jian ware specifically refers to porcelain tea bowls produced in the kilns of Jianyang, Fujian Province. Generally speaking, these bowls have wide mouths and narrow feet, with thick, coarse bodies. The exterior lower part of the bowl and the foot are unglazed, exposing the body of the bowl. The clay and glaze for Jian ware come from its place of origin, Jianyang. Due to their high iron content and the thickness of the clay, the exposed body appears grayish-black, commonly referred to as an iron body. The glaze colors range from deep black, dark blue-black, to purple. At the high temperature of 1350 degrees Celsius reached in the kiln during firing, iron ions precipitate out and flow across the glaze surface, forming unique and beautiful patterns known as "hare's fur," making the Jian ware bowls more widely recognized by this name. The Chinese civilization is the only ancient culture that has been continuously passed down in an orderly manner and remains vibrant to this…

Building a Pu'er tea home storage room has always been a challenging issue for many novice tea enthusiasts. Clean, shaded from light, moisture-proof, and odor-free, it needs to ensure breathability while preventing excessive oxidation. Different solutions are required for long-term and short-term storage, and choosing and using the right tea storage containers can be difficult... Today, this article by Lu Li aims to solve various problems related to storing tea at home for novice tea enthusiasts. Long-Term Storage The first principle of building a Pu'er tea home storage room is to store the tea in a clean, shaded from light, moisture-proof, and stable environment while regularly monitoring and adjusting the temperature and humidity of the room. Temperature: The temperature for storing Pu'er tea should generally be around 18-32°C; temperatures too high or too low are detrimental to the aging process. Avoid direct exposure to air conditioning, quartz lamps, and sunlight. Humidity: Relative humidity should be kept around 55%-75%; too high or too low a humidity level is also not conducive to the transformation of Pu'er tea. A hygrometer can be purchased to accurately monitor changes in humidity within the room. Tea enthusiasts in the north need to pay particular attention…

Storing tea after prying it open is generally a practice during the tea waking process. When a tea product is freshly retrieved from storage, it requires a period of tea waking to improve its taste. Prying the tea open can expedite this process; however, for long-term storage, it is not recommended to pry the tea open as doing so is detrimental to preserving the aroma and flavor of the tea. The shape in which tea products are pressed is the result of repeated experimentation by craftsmen to ensure optimal aging quality. Storing the tea after prying it open alters this intended aging process. Containers for Storing Pried Pu'er Tea 1. Storing Pried Pu'er Tea in Porcelain Jars Porcelain jars have good airtightness. If the tea has already aged well, storing it in a porcelain jar can enhance the concentration of its aroma. Additionally, teas with a softer mouthfeel from large trees can also be considered for storage in porcelain jars to continue their aging process. 2. Storing Pried Pu'er Tea in Clay Jars Small purple clay jars without any off-flavors are ideal. They effectively eliminate unwanted odors and flavors and promote good aging. After some time, they can help reduce…

The simplest and best method to store tea cakes is by using the original packaging, keeping the tea in an unopened state within a room that is well-ventilated and breathable. No additional handling is required; just maintain the tea cake’s original packaging, taking advantage of the bamboo leaves’ breathability for aging. Methods for Storing Tea Cakes at Home To store tea cakes, place them in a dry, wind-sheltered environment, which allows them to be preserved for an extended period. During storage, ensure regular ventilation to maintain appropriate air humidity. This process enables the tea to undergo proper maturation, producing more beneficial substances for the human body. It also enhances the aroma and flavor, making it richer and more mellow. Another method for long-term storage involves using quicklime, especially suitable for small quantities stored at home. Prepare a dry box lined with quicklime, then place the tea cakes (still in their original packaging) directly on the quicklime. Layer another batch of quicklime above the tea cakes, and repeat this pattern until the box is full. Seal the box and place it in a cool, well-ventilated area. Replace the quicklime every two months to extend the tea cakes’ shelf life. Charcoal can…

Biluochun, a green tea from Dongting Lake in Jiangsu Province, China, is beloved by tea enthusiasts for its unique aroma and refreshing taste. To brew the perfect cup of Biluochun, you need not only high-quality leaves but also the correct brewing method. In this guide, we will take you step-by-step through the essentials of brewing Biluochun, so you can enjoy its distinctive fragrance at home. (Image source: Internet. Please delete if infringing.) Selecting High-Quality Biluochun Leaves Before brewing Biluochun, ensure that you have purchased high-quality leaves. Good Biluochun has a delicate and tightly rolled appearance, with a silvery-green color, visible downy hairs, and a fresh and fragrant aroma. When buying, smell the leaves – good Biluochun should have a unique floral and fruity scent. Preparing Appropriate Tea Utensils The best choice for brewing Biluochun is a transparent glass cup, as it allows you to appreciate the beautiful unfolding of the leaves in water. Glass cups do not affect the taste of the tea. You may also choose white porcelain lidded bowls or purple clay pots, which also preserve the aroma and flavor of Biluochun well. Controlling Water Temperature Water temperature is key when brewing Biluochun. The leaves are tender, and…

The seven correct steps for brewing tea: boiling water, washing cups, adding tea, steeping, pouring tea, serving tea, and savoring tea. The first step is to boil the water for brewing. The second step is to rinse the teaware with boiling water. The third step is to add tea to the cup. The fourth step is to pour water into the cup to steep the tea. The fifth step is to pour the tea into the tea cups. The sixth step is to serve the tea to guests. The seventh step is to enjoy the tea with guests or friends. 1. Boiling Water To brew good tea, start by finding the most suitable water, with purified water or mineral water being the preferred choices among soft waters. One requirement for brewing tea is that the water needs to be boiled. Regardless of whether you are using 80°C or 90°C water for steeping, make sure to first bring it to a full boil at 100°C, then let it cool to the desired temperature. (Generally, tender green teas can be brewed with water around 80°C, while black teas use water around 90°C, and Pu'er or dark teas should be steeped in 100°C…

Tea drinking requires utensils. The Western Han Dynasty's literary work, Zhuangyue, mentions "preparing tea and all its implements, covering them after the feast," which is the earliest reference to "tea utensils" in Chinese history. Historically, goldware, woodenware, pottery, weapons, ceremonial objects, and wine vessels were all referred to as "utensils." Tea utensils are no exception. The beauty of these objects complements the tea infusion, preserves its aroma, and each type of tea utensil has a unique beauty and practical use. Firewood, rice, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, and tea are essential for daily life in China. There is also the saying that "tea is the cure for all diseases" and "without tea one day, digestion is sluggish; without tea for three days, illness ensues." Today, drinking tea is not only a healthy lifestyle but also a pursuit of spiritual elevation. So, what should be included on the tea table of a true tea lover? 01 Purple Clay Teapot Sixyi Hall Reduction-fired Ziyan Shibo Teapot The purple clay teapot is considered the premier tea utensil, ideal for brewing tea. Firstly, purple clay contains natural iron beneficial to health, and long-term use of a purple clay teapot avoids the intake of harmful…

This year's first typhoon with a real presence has finally arrived, and for those living by the coast, it brings a refreshing respite amidst the raging storm. On such an occasion, enjoying tea while watching the rain is a fine choice. Let’s quietly sip our tea indoors, and take a look at this tea-tasting guide. A mix of seriousness and jest, please take what you need. Choose tea gatherings with “tea vibes” When attending a tea gathering, opt for niche tea spaces that are not open to the public. While others post photos of their afternoon tea in new Chinese-style teahouses on social media, your posts should focus on the details—such as delicate hands pouring tea, beautiful tea leaves, unique tasting cups—and pair them with a subtle caption. This instantly conveys a sense of tea appreciation. The host owns a private tea courtyard and is well-known within the tea community; only invited guests can enter, or there may be entry fees and screening processes to ensure all participants share similar interests. The tea courtyard is either tucked away from the bustling city or nestled deep in the mountains. The decor looks rustic yet brimming with detail. It could be a…

Basic Introduction to Sanpotaí TeaThe Sanpotaí tea drink is unique to the local characteristics of Lanzhou. To simply call it a tea drink is not comprehensive or profound enough. The Sanpotaí is an indispensable leisure lifestyle in this city. When drinking, one must hold the lidded bowl and use the other hand to gently scrape the floating tea leaves into the lid, then decant the tea with the lid. When drinking, one should suck and make slurping sounds. When the aroma of tea and fruit fills your mouth, you can't help but exclaim with satisfaction, "Ah, so comfortable!" Therefore, the Sanpotaí is also called "Scraping the Bowl." Saying "scraping the bowl" implies relaxation, chatting, and socializing. Product FeaturesThe young green tea leaves fall slowly like snowflakes, while the brown longans and golden chrysanthemums float on the surface like budding spring flowers. The rising wisps of red steam carry a fresh and delicate fragrance that invigorates the senses. A tea that is fragrant but not sweet is considered bitter, while one that is sweet but lacks vitality is not considered top-grade. Only those that are fresh, refreshing, and vibrant are considered the best of teas. The red, purple, green, and white…

Tea, as a traditional Chinese beverage, carries millennia of culture and wisdom. It is more than just a drink; it's a way of life and a pursuit of health and tranquility. However, while enjoying the delightful flavors of tea, we may unwittingly fall into common misconceptions. Today, let's uncover these misconceptions to make your tea drinking experience healthier and more enjoyable. I. Tea Is Not Indefinitely Storable In many people's minds, as long as tea remains dry and doesn't mold, it can be stored indefinitely. This is a serious misunderstanding. As a food product, tea has a clear shelf life, which varies depending on its type and processing method. For example, green tea typically has a shorter shelf life of around one year, while black tea and Pu'er tea, which undergo special processing, have longer shelf lives. The storage conditions are crucial. If not stored properly, tea can become damp, leading to increased moisture content and the growth of mold and bacteria. Exposure to direct sunlight can cause the loss of nutrients and aroma. Additionally, exposure to odors can affect the quality of the tea. To ensure the quality and taste of tea, it should be stored in a dry,…

Blue and white porcelain always exudes a deep and restrained elegance. Patterns are drawn on the ceramic body and then covered with a transparent glaze, fired once at high temperatures in a reduction flame. Its elegance comes from within, deeply rooted in its very essence. The elegance of blue and white is also extremely ancient and pure, without the garish colors that come from heavy brush strokes. It is the color reflected from the blue sky and the sea, pure and thorough. The term "blue and white" always seems to carry a hint of solitude and a touch of nostalgic sadness. Looking at it, one can't help but think of the ancient, long, and narrow stone alleys in Jiangnan, as well as the noble and elegant women dressed in blue and white qipaos. There's always something faint yet pure and touching about their eyes and brows. Perhaps, because I am a nostalgic woman, I feel a kind of familiarity with blue and white, as if deep in my soul, there is an indissoluble connection to it. "The outline of blue and white on a plain body, the brush strokes turning from thick to light, the peony painted on the vase…

Black tea is commonly brewed in a gaiwan, which allows for good control over the flavor of the tea. However, black tea can also be directly brewed in a cup. When doing so, be careful not to use too much tea; for a 200ml cup, about 2 grams of tea leaves are sufficient, and the brewing time should be around two minutes before drinking. What Kind of Cup Can Be Used to Brew Black Tea? To brew black tea, suitable teaware includes transparent glass cups, aroma-trapping cups, travel cups, and thermoses, primarily based on personal preference and the situation. For example, glass cups and aroma-trapping cups are suitable for office or everyday tea drinking, while travel cups and thermoses are ideal for travel or winter tea drinking. Under normal circumstances, a gaiwan can be used to brew black tea, paying attention to the amount of tea, water temperature, and infusion time. The Steps for Brewing Black Tea: 1. Use pure mountain spring water or mineral water. 2. Prepare white porcelain or heat-resistant glass teaware and clean it thoroughly. 3. Place the tea in the cup at a ratio of 1:50, with 3-5 grams being optimal. 4. Begin brewing; the water…

“The vessel is the father of tea,” but what kind of tea ware should be used when brewing #Pu'er tea to best present its characteristics? When choosing, start from a practical perspective and then consider aesthetics and overall coordination. There are various types of vessels for brewing tea, made from materials such as porcelain, clay, glass, etc., in different shapes, including teapots and #gaiwans, among others. Today, I will share several commonly used tea wares for brewing Pu'er tea. 1. Gaiwan: Mr. Lu Xun once said, “To drink good tea, one must use a gaiwan.” Gaiwans are widely used and referred to as “versatile tea wares.” They can be used to brew almost any type of tea. For those who have not yet mastered brewing techniques, they may find them a bit hot to handle. White porcelain gaiwans do not absorb the aroma of the tea, have good heat dissipation, are easy to control and clean. They do not alter the intrinsic properties of the tea and can well present the quality of the tea, effectively revealing both its strengths and weaknesses; they are convenient for smelling the aroma, appreciating the liquor, and observing the leaves, making them essential tea…

Many newcomers to purple clay teapots often have a misconception about the clay: they tend to believe that the finer the clay, the better. We've previously discussed the issue of mesh size in our articles, and today we'll delve into it again.Is it true that the finer the clay for a purple clay teapot, the better?First, we need to understand the concept of mesh size for the purple clay. Originally a mineral, the purple clay goes through several processes to become clay, one of which involves grinding and sieving the minerals. The mesh size of the sieve used is what we refer to as the mesh size of the purple clay, indicating the size of the particles. Common sizes include 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. The mesh size also affects the sandy texture of the finished product after firing. A lower mesh size results in a more prominent grainy texture, while a higher mesh size yields a smoother surface with less sandiness. Both extremely coarse and fine sands present high challenges in the making process. The most…

How to brew tea with a purple clay teapot? This question might make many teapot enthusiasts smile, as it seems as simple as placing the tea leaves in the pot and adding boiling water. What's there to ask? In terms of brewing tea, that's certainly correct. However, when using a teapot, we often don't just use the teapot itself. There are various accessories for brewing tea, such as dry brewing stations and wet brewing trays, which lead to different methods of brewing. This is where the distinction between dry brewing and wet brewing comes into play. Both dry brewing stations and wet brewing trays originate from Chaozhou Gongfu tea, a tea ceremony that is one of the few in China to have remained uninterrupted throughout history. Therefore, most modern brewing methods and tea ceremony forms come from Gongfu tea. The origin of the dry brewing station can be traced back to the teapot stand used in Gongfu tea. Later, due to the need for pouring water over the teapot, wet brewing trays were developed. In recent decades, they have become popular across the country and are now mainstream. Wet Brewing Method Let's start with the wet brewing method. As mentioned…

I have a pot made of decent clay, not expensive, and not the best in appearance, but because I bought it early on, it’s the one I’ve used the longest, nurtured to great beauty, and naturally my favorite. No matter who comes or how much they offer, I won’t sell it. I believe many true lovers of pots have such a pot. It may not be the best in their collection, but it’s their favorite, the most comfortable to use and pleasing to the eye. They wouldn’t dream of giving it away or selling it, even if there are some minor flaws. They want to keep it in their hands forever, playing with it and using it. Every pot enthusiast will come across a pot they truly love. Brewing tea with the pot and steeping the pot in tea, the person nurtures the spirit of the pot, and the pot nurtures the humanity of the person, becoming like an old friend, hard to part with... Pots come in three categories: for practical use, for appreciation, and for collection. Generally speaking, when buying a pot, it all boils down to the type of clay, shape, craftsmanship, and style. For those who…

The optimal water temperature for brewing black tea is between 85-95 degrees Celsius. During the brewing process, the water temperature should be adjusted based on factors such as the strength and type of the tea leaves. When brewing, it's important to control the water temperature and we need to master the timing to brew black tea at different concentrations. Of course, you can also adjust the taste by adding sugar or milk according to personal preference. Black Tea Brewing Temperature and Time Fresh cold water should be poured into a kettle and boiled until it reaches 100°C, which is then suitable for brewing. Fresh water that meets drinking standards contains air, which helps fully release the aroma of black tea. Overnight water, water boiled twice, and hot water from a thermos are not suitable for brewing black tea. Professional tea cans will indicate the strength of the tea, and the brewing time can be decided based on this strength, ranging from 2 minutes to 3 and a half minutes for strengths 1 to 4. What is the Ideal Water Temperature for Brewing Black Tea? The water temperature for brewing black tea depends on its quality! The quality of black tea…

Unbeknownst to us, we have already entered the last month of the lunar year. In this final month before welcoming the Spring Festival, many people are planning to acquire some new items to usher in a fresh start and bring good fortune. For tea enthusiasts, preparing some coasters for guests is both courteous and cost-effective, making it a highly economical choice. The selection of coasters also requires attention to coordination. Here are 10 coaster options, with their advantages summarized for you! Figure 01 Ceramic Coaster A coaster made from coarse pottery has a simple and restrained style, with a sturdy shape. It is suitable for pairing with cups that have a low or no base. If used with slender cups, there may be a sense of instability. Figure 02 Porcelain Coaster A porcelain coaster has high hardness and strong stain resistance, with a smooth surface and good luster. In addition to keeping the table tidy, it is also very suitable for holding the leaves after steeping tea, allowing people to easily observe the quality of the tea. Figure 03 Purple Clay Coaster Purple clay, like ceramics, is a widely loved material. A purple clay coaster has some water absorbency. Over…