purple

In recent years, with the rapid increase of new enthusiasts of purple clay teapots, many have developed an interest in the cultural depth behind purple clay. While enjoying these teapots, they wish to deepen their understanding and gradually come to truly appreciate the culture of purple clay. Tea Mountain: Purple clay teapots are known for their good breathability. The tea stains that adhere to the pot over long-term use are commonly referred to as a "tea mountain." Aging: Also called "nurturing the soil," this is the final processing step for purple clay. Prepared and kneaded clay is placed in ceramic jars and stored in a damp, shady area to undergo aging and transformation. Aging Period: This refers to the time from when the prepared and kneaded clay is placed in a damp, shady area to begin aging. Just like aged wine stored in underground cellars, the longer the aging period, the more lustrous and elegant the resulting teapot will be. The minimum aging period should be at least three months. Patina: After years of use, a natural and unique sheen forms on the surface of the teapot. This sheen is restrained and deep in color. Sun Line: In the bottom…

After the Summer Solstice, temperatures will gradually rise over the next two months, making it the hottest time of the year. In this era where everyone is talking about "living healthily," drinking tea is the right way to beat the heat! With tea, different types of tea have different methods of production and distinct characteristics. What kinds of tea should one drink in different seasons? And what kind of teapot goes well with them? Tea nurtures the teapot, and the teapot nurtures the tea. Sandstone nurtures people, and people nurture sandstone. √ The Mysteries of Health Benefits of Purple Clay Teapots Purple clay consists of multiple minerals, including illite, kaolin, quartz, mica chips, iron, and other trace elements essential to the human body. It also has a dual-pore structure, making it suitable for brewing tea. Therefore, many tea enthusiasts now prefer purple clay teapots as their choice of tea utensils. 1. White Tea White tea is known for its "one-year tea, three-year medicine, seven-year treasure" reputation. Drinking some aged white tea can help clear heat and fire, generate saliva, and relieve cough. Drinking white tea helps to cool down, eliminate heat, and reduce inflammation, making it the best companion for…

For novice enthusiasts, this question is quite common. For example, "I've been using my teapot for Tieguanyin, but recently I've developed a liking for Tung Ting Oolong. Can I brew it in the same pot? Will it harm the pot?" In principle, this practice is not recommended, as everyone knows the rule of "one pot for one tea." However, we don't have to be limited by this. There are methods, though they may be a bit troublesome. First, let's discuss what the rule of "one pot for one tea" means. Purple clay is a mixture of various minerals such as quartz, hematite, mica, and clay. The pores in purple clay teapots are formed at the interfaces between these minerals and within small clay aggregates. This is known as a dual-pore structure. The dual-pore structure is due to both the inherent structure of the purple clay and the pores left behind during firing when different minerals contract at varying rates. The interfacial pores between the various minerals are typically chain-like, some being interconnected while others are closed. The pores within the small clay aggregates are closed if they are internal and open if they are on the surface of the aggregate.…

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,…

There are many types of tea on the market, and everyone has their preferences. However, the key lies in the choice of tea ware. When brewing tea, using corresponding tea ware can make the taste much better than ordinary ones. Many people enjoy drinking Pu'er tea, so what kind of tea ware is best to brew this type of tea? Additionally, some people are not clear about how to use tea ware. Let's look at the details below. What Kind of Tea Ware Should Be Used for Pu'er Tea 1. Yixing (Purple Clay) Tea Ware Pu'er tea is a type of tea worth savoring. When brewing Pu'er tea, the selection of tea ware cannot be overlooked; otherwise, it would be a waste of such good Pu'er tea. Speaking of suitable tea ware for brewing Pu'er tea, Yixing (purple clay) tea ware is naturally the first choice. This is because Pu'er tea requires hot water to slowly release its essence. Therefore, the temperature-retaining properties of a Yixing teapot make it the most suitable option. Moreover, the excellent breathability of Yixing teapots perfectly preserves the original aroma of Pu'er tea. Benefits of Brewing Pu'er Tea with a Yixing Teapot: Using a Yixing…

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,…

When collecting purple clay teapots, it's important to focus on selecting high-quality and authentic pieces while keeping an eye on market trends. Teapots crafted by renowned artists are often highly collectible, especially those made by masters whose works tend to appreciate steadily in value. In contrast, the vast majority of teapots sold at street markets are either fakes or poorly made, and therefore have little to no collectible value. To collect purple clay teapots successfully, one must improve their appreciation skills and avoid common pitfalls. Here are some typical misconceptions about collecting these teapots: NO.1 Buying Based Solely on the Maker’s Mark The "mark" refers to the signature of a famous maker. A well-known artist represents a standard of craftsmanship in contemporary purple clay teapots, and collectors naturally seek out such works. However, this is a double-edged sword. The prevalence of imitations in the market is due to the extreme desire for named artists' works combined with many collectors' lack of understanding of basic criteria for evaluating teapots, which inadvertently fuels the market for fakes. Many teapots in the market bear the mark of Master Gu Jingzhou. If collectors start by carefully examining the clay and craftsmanship, they wouldn't need…

Often, when others are nurturing their pots, especially when they steep tea in the pot at night, they like to leave the tea leaves and strong tea broth in the pot overnight. They think this accelerates the formation of a patina, making the process of nurturing the pot more efficient and effortless, with tangible results. However, this is not the case. When nurturing a pot, the effect only occurs when the tea broth is hot and the pot itself is warm. Firstly, can tea leaves and tea be left overnight in a purple clay pot? The answer is no. When nurturing a pot, the effect only occurs when the tea broth is hot and the pot itself is warm. The tea broth, along with the steam, penetrates the pores of the pot, and the tea oils seep through the surface of the pot. After repeated wiping with a tea cloth, a patina forms. The tea leaves and tea broth left overnight in the pot lose their effectiveness once they cool down. Leaving tea leaves and tea broth in the pot overnight for extended periods, especially during hot summer nights, can easily lead to the growth of harmful substances inside the…

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…

Purple clay teapots are powerful tools for brewing tea, and to make the most of their performance, one must understand both the pot and the tea. As the saying goes, "one pot for one type of tea," different pots pair with different teas. Here we will use six types of clay materials as examples to explore how to best match pots and teas to achieve optimal results.ImageToday, from the perspective of clay properties, we will explain how to correctly match purple clay teapots with various teas to enhance the flavor experience!【Original Segment Mud】Original segment mud appears as a pale green layered mineral that turns a milky yellow after firing. It is found within the strata of Yellow Dragon Mountain, coexisting with purple clay, only a few centimeters thick, situated between the upper layer of purple clay and the rock plate. This material is characterized as having "more bones than flesh." Brewing Recommendation: Oolong tea (lightly roasted series) and green tea are perfect matches, as well as Tie Guan Yin (moderately or heavily roasted series).【Bottom Trough Purple Clay】Purple clay can be divided into three categories: top, middle, and bottom trough clays. Bottom trough purple clay is found at the very bottom…

Various types of purple clay are used to make purple clay pots, and the types of tea people drink are also diverse. However, which type of tea is most suitable for a pot made from a specific kind of clay? This can be something worth paying attention to or not, depending on your own attitude. Now, let’s mainly discuss black tea, Pu'er, Tieguanyin, and green tea: Pots made from duan clay, original green mountain clay, light-colored Tianxing clay, light-colored bluish-gray clay, and qing purple clay are absolutely unsuitable for black tea, Pu'er tea, and dark tea. Especially in the case of original green mountain clay and duan clay, if these pots are used to brew dark tea, the pot walls will absorb blackish tea stains, leading to artificial blackening. Zhu clay and red clay pots: these can be used for all teas, but they are better suited for brewing Tieguanyin and other Oolong teas. Pots with small openings are unsuitable for brewing Tieguanyin. Pots made from low-temperature fired bottom groove clear clay are moderately suitable for any type of tea! Pots made from dark-colored Tianxing clay and dark-colored bluish-gray clay are more suitable for black tea. Pots made from ordinary…

Starting from the clay, define the standards for a good purple clay teapot! Often, some teapot enthusiasts ask: "Do you have good teapots?" I usually respond by asking them: "What kind of teapot can be considered a good one?" Some say "teapots made by famous masters are good teapots," while answers like "pure clay and reasonable price" are few and far between. It's no wonder, given the uneven knowledge about purple clay, there aren't many people who truly understand what it is. The question: "Do you have good teapots?" reveals their inner doubts and lack of confidence, indicating that they really don't know what makes a good purple clay teapot. For ordinary enthusiasts, buying a purple clay teapot not only serves to make tea taste better but is also for the pleasure of nurturing it and its potential appreciation in value, hoping for a legendary outcome—becoming more beautiful and valuable over time. However, they often overlook important factors such as the quality of the clay, craftsmanship, the maker's reputation, and market availability. In today's market flooded with fakes and mass-produced items, it's already difficult to find a pure purple clay teapot without harmful additives. Buying a teapot that can appreciate…

Some teapot enthusiasts surely have more than one purple clay teapot at home, but it's not possible to use every teapot daily. Some teapots might only be used after 2-3 months or a used teapot may be set aside for future use. At this point, some people might put the teapot away without any treatment, which is not good for the teapot itself. So, what should you pay attention to when storing a used purple clay teapot? 1. A used purple clay teapot must be thoroughly air-dried; there should be no moisture inside. To check if the teapot is dry, place a piece of tissue paper inside, cover it, and see if the tissue is damp the next day. 2. A used teapot should not be wrapped up or placed in a box directly, as the tea residue inside can easily mold. 3. Store the teapot in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight. Do not store it in a damp location. Ideally, have a special shelf or cabinet for your teapots at home. 4. If the teapot is not going to be used for a long time, place some dry tea leaves inside—the same type of tea that has…

Looking at dry tea, smelling its aroma, and tasting it are methods used by most people to appreciate tea. But sometimes, we might see some tea enthusiasts quietly fiddling with the tea residue after everyone has finished drinking. However, don't underestimate that person playing with the leaves; they may be a profound expert in tea. It's said that through a single leaf, one can understand the life of a tea. Is this really true? Let's take a look together. What can we see from the leaf? The leaf, or what remains after the tea has been steeped, is the tea residue. After being soaked in hot water, the tea absorbs moisture and expands, returning to its original shape. The entire process of a tea, from picking to processing and storage, can be revealed in the leaf. When examining the leaf, we mainly consider tenderness, color, and uniformity. ① Tenderness Tenderness refers to the content of buds and young leaves in a tea, as well as the overall tenderness of the leaves. Many teas are not easy to discern for their bud and young leaf content before being steeped due to their processing techniques, but it becomes clear when looking at…

Pu'er tea, due to its unique production process, is essentially a food product without an expiration date, much like wine. After a certain period of effective sealing, the tea undergoes natural fermentation. Over time, the quality and taste of Pu'er tea significantly improve. Therefore, the claim that Pu'er tea becomes more aromatic and enjoyable as it ages is entirely credible. As long as it's stored properly, older Pu'er tea becomes increasingly valuable. Is Pu'er Tea More Aromatic with Age? Generally speaking, Pu'er tea can be consumed immediately after production, but it has a rather strong flavor. As storage time increases, the taste becomes richer and smoother. Under specific storage conditions, Pu'er tea can be preserved for extended periods. During storage, Pu'er tea continues to ferment. Various components in the tea react with microorganisms through oxidation and polymerization, such as the slow reaction of polyphenols under the influence of enzymes to form fragrant compounds. The aroma evolves from a complex mix of scents to a single, rich aroma. The optimal storage time for raw Pu'er tea is 10 to 25 years, while for ripe Pu'er tea, it is 8 to 15 years. To achieve a rich flavor, it is recommended to…

"The Classic of Tea," authored by Lu Yu during the Tang Dynasty, is a specialized work that not only meticulously records methods of tea cultivation, production, and consumption but also delves into the varieties and uses of tea implements. This article will introduce you to the types of tea implements mentioned in "The Classic of Tea" and their significance within tea culture. Overview of "The Classic of Tea" "The Classic of Tea" is the world's first specialized work on tea, providing an all-encompassing introduction to various aspects of tea. In his book, Lu Yu introduced the concept of "the Way of Tea," emphasizing its spiritual and cultural value. The text is divided into ten chapters, with the descriptions of tea implements mainly concentrated in the chapter titled "Chapter Four: Implements." Varieties of Tea Implements in "The Classic of Tea" According to "The Classic of Tea," tea implements primarily consist of the following categories: Water-Boiling Implements: These include the wind stove and the kettle (fǔ), used for boiling water and brewing tea. Tea-Drinking Implements: Primarily tea bowls and cups, used to hold brewed tea. Tea-Storing Implements: Such as tea baskets and boxes, used for storing tea leaves. Auxiliary Implements: Including the…

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…

A cup of clear tea can quench thirst and provide relaxation. Using different tea sets to brew different types of tea can bring out the flavor and texture of the tea, adding a touch of pleasure to life. The market is no longer dominated solely by purple clay teapots; traditional materials are regaining popularity, and new styles of tea sets are emerging to cater to new varieties of tea. As summer approaches, which tea set would you choose to be your companion? Cast Iron Teapot The culture of iron teapots first became popular in Japan, with origins tracing back to the Edo period, several hundred years ago. The trend resurged around 2012. Cast iron teapots available on the market are not necessarily Japanese-made; many are produced in Taiwan or mainland China. Handcrafted and mold-made teapots vary significantly in price, resulting in a wide range from a few hundred to tens of thousands of yuan. Most cast iron teapots on the market feature traditional patterns such as small grids, dragon scales, lines, and cherry blossoms, typical of southern Japanese ironware. The coloring is simple and the patterns are delicate and rustic. One reason for their resurgence is the recognition of their…

The wealthy man loved tea and was hospitable. He especially appreciated guests who knew their tea. Whoever came to his house to drink tea, regardless of whether they were rich or poor, he would instruct his servants to serve them well. One day, a beggar in tattered clothes appeared at the wealthy man's doorstep. Instead of asking for food, he simply requested a bowl of tea. The servant promptly invited him inside and poured him a bowl of tea. The beggar looked at it and said, “This tea isn’t good.” Seeing that he seemed to know his tea, the servant quickly fetched better tea. The beggar sniffed and remarked, “This is good tea, but the water isn’t right. It needs mountain spring water of the finest quality.” The servant recognized his expertise and hurriedly used reserved spring water to brew another pot. The beggar tasted it and said, “The water is good, but the wood used to boil it isn’t right. The wood should be from the shady side of a famous mountain, as the wood from the sunny side is too soft, while that from the shady side is firmer and harder.” The servant confirmed that this man was…

Nowadays, more and more people are familiar with purple clay teapots, and the number of enthusiasts is growing. Among them, many women enjoy drinking tea with these teapots, their graceful figures and simple attire complementing the act of pouring tea, a delightful sight to behold. Today is Women's Day, so let me start by wishing all the ladies a happy holiday. So, here comes the question: if we want to gift a teapot to a woman, what kind of teapot should we choose? Or, what kind of teapot suits women best? Let’s discuss this topic today. Shishi (Lady of the West) Teapot ▲Shishi Teapot The Shishi teapot is said to be a type of purple clay teapot created during the Ming Dynasty by Xu Youquan, inspired by the beauty of Xi Shi. The rounded shape with soft lines makes it particularly suitable for women, enhancing their gentle demeanor. ▲Shishi Teapot The plump and elegant shape, full-bodied form, and the use of a flush-fitting lid make it convenient for adding tea leaves and allowing them to fully unfurl in the pot. Its slender handle and shorter spout ensure easy pouring and excellent water flow. The simple yet beautiful design makes it…

Some tea enthusiasts, when buying a teapot, notice flaws on its surface and conclude that the pot is not made of purple clay. If you share this view, then you are greatly mistaken! Let me tell you that if your teapot has some minor flaws, it does not mean the clay is of poor quality; instead, it confirms that your purple clay teapot is made of genuine material. The saying goes, “There is no such thing as pure gold or perfect man,” so how can there be so many flawless items? Some enthusiasts believe that for the high price they paid for their purple clay teapot, it should not have any flaws. Why are the purple clay teapots on Taobao perfect and tempting in price with all sorts of discounts, while my teapot is so expensive and still has flaws? This boils down to a lack of understanding of purple clay. Today, let's look at what common flaws typically appear in top-grade unprocessed materials. 01 Bursting Bubbles (Bursting Sand Particles) The appearance of bursting bubbles, bursting sand particles, and bursting mud indicates pure sand particle materials or materials with a very high sand content. During firing in the kiln, the…

More and more people are interested in learning about and purchasing purple clay teapots. When selecting one, everyone hopes to buy a good one. So, how do you evaluate a purple clay teapot? Today, I'll teach you how to identify its quality! Clay Identification Method Avoid teapots that look bright and shiny at first glance. ▲ High-temperature Dingcun Qing Jingzhou Shipiáo Reason: Teapots made from original mine clay do not have bright colors, nor do they shine. While good clay produces a pleasant water color when fired, it will never be glossy. Select teapots with a rich sand feel and visible iron and mica. Reason: The sand feel is the most obvious characteristic of the clay. Even glossy Zhuni teapots have a sand feel. If a teapot is overly glossy, be cautious. Original mine clay contains abundant mica and iron ore, which is evident after firing. Acid-washed clay, on the other hand, lacks iron content and appears dull. Workmanship Identification Method Pay attention to details for round, square, and ribbed teapots. Reason: For round teapots, fullness and roundness are crucial. The body should not have any concavities or uneven spots. The same applies to square and ribbed teapots, which should…

The north wind sweeps the ground, blowing away fallen leaves and bringing a sky full of snow. It covers rooftops, blankets fields, and decorates mountains and rivers like a painting, transforming everything into a new scene. Today, we have heavy snow. Heavy snow signifies the start of mid-winter. Winter is a season that chills everything, and our bodies are quick to react to the cold. The stronger the cold winds blow, the more we tend to huddle up. To ensure our bodies function well in the cold, drinking hot tea at the right times is an excellent choice. Black Tea Wards Off Cold and Warms the Stomach To dispel the chill and enhance your ability to withstand the cold, black tea, with its warm nature, rich proteins, and sugars, can generate heat and warm the abdomen. Persistently using tea for mouth rinsing during winter can kill bacteria and reduce inflammation, while direct consumption can also help prevent influenza. One of the most appealing aspects of black tea is its versatility; you can add various ingredients according to your taste preferences to create your own unique flavor profile. Oolong Tea Reduces Fat and Relieves Greasiness The pharmacological effects of oolong tea…

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…