Teapot

Many teas are not suitable for direct steeping in boiling water. For example, green tea, young or lightly aged raw Pu'er, black tea, and even oolong tea. Teas that are suitable for steeping tend to be coarser and older, such as dark teas or white teas that have been aged longer. If we consider steeping a tea for an entire night or day and it still isn’t bitter or astringent, and is even better than when brewed, the likely candidate would be old Liubao tea. Old Liubao tea can be brewed, steeped, or boiled. It is highly cost-effective, easy to store, beneficial to health, and most importantly, suitable for the majority of people's constitutions. This makes it all the more remarkable. This is also why I have come to appreciate and endorse Liubao tea more and more. The longer I spend in Wuzhou, Guangxi, and Liubao Town, the more I fall in love with Liubao tea, whether it’s made using traditional methods yielding the “Liubao character,” or modern processes producing rich, dark, aged flavors. I am increasingly influenced by the local custom of drinking Liubao tea here. In the mountains of Liubao Town, laborers often drink fresh tea. Whether it’s…

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…

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…

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.…

Nowadays, more and more people enjoy collecting Yixing teapots, not only for the rich aroma they bring to tea but also for their unique aesthetic appeal and artistic enjoyment. One aspect that sets Yixing teapots apart from other tea wares is their ability to become more beautiful with use and care. For Yixing beginners, most believe that a teapot is merely for drinking tea and appreciation, and does not fall under the category of cultural playthings. This is actually a misconception. In a broader sense, Yixing teapots do belong in the realm of cultural playthings. Many tea enthusiasts enjoy sipping tea while playing with small Yixing teapots. Here are some tips for nurturing your Yixing teapot. TIP 1: Keep it clean We consistently emphasize cleanliness for any tea ware, as dirt is the "biggest enemy" of Yixing teapots. Once a cultural plaything becomes dirty, it is often irreparable. Keeping your teapot clean and hygienic is therefore the first important step in nurturing it properly. A newly purchased Yixing teapot should be thoroughly cleaned. Used teapots should also be kept clean inside, free of any residual tea stains. Develop the habit of cleaning your teapot after each use. When not in…

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,…

Somehow, over time, I have come to associate my father's love with a strong tea aroma. My father loved his tea and for years he has been drinking homemade wild vegetable tea. When spring warms the earth and revives the land, the bitter vegetables and dandelions in the hills around our hometown poke through the soil with fresh new greens. Father would rush to gather them before Qingming Festival, as they would start blooming and lose their fresh, fragrant flavor after that. Every day, he would clean and dry the gathered bitter vegetables and dandelions, then gently stir-fry them over a low flame to make bitter vegetable tea. The tea carries a faintly bitter taste and the fresh scent of earth. In the height of summer, when stone bamboo flowers are at their most charming, father would be busy gathering stone bamboo growing in the crevices of cliffs. He would carefully select them to make stone bamboo tea. During the hot summer days, father would sit under the parasol tree in the yard, sipping stone bamboo tea with its emerald color and rich fragrance, while idly fanning himself with a palm leaf fan. Not only did father make tea in…

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…

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…

Auction houses see Zisha teapots sold for millions, deterring many ordinary people. Is Zisha collecting just a game for the rich? You might be overthinking it… While making teapots is an art, most of us buy them for practical use! So, as an ordinary person, how can you enjoy a Zisha teapot? Get a Basic Understanding If this is your first encounter with Zisha teapots and you haven't established your own aesthetic system yet, you should start by learning how to inspect the basic craftsmanship of a teapot. Before buying a teapot, consider purchasing 2-3 practical books on Zisha to read carefully. Books usually introduce the basics of Zisha, reference standards, aesthetic criteria, and appraisals. Read widely, listen attentively, and ask questions. For things you don’t understand, seek advice from experienced friends. Once you have a basic understanding of Zisha, you can then find purchase targets based on your financial capability and plan. Clarify Your Purpose When buying a teapot, clarify your purpose. Are you buying it for tea drinking and personal cultivation, or for collection or investment? This is important. If it's for personal tea drinking, you'll have higher requirements for the teapot’s tea compatibility and practicality. Conditions like…

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…

Did you know? The quality and taste of Pu'er spring tea are excellent, with better tenderness than ordinary teas. This can be seen from the buds of dry tea leaves, where ancient tree teas have short and dense buds that aren’t plump. Additionally, the leaf shapes of Pu'er spring tea do not conform to a high degree of regularity. Compared to summer tea, which has longer and thinner stalks, and autumn tea, which is fatter and more downy, spring tea appears more compact and robust, with less regularity in shape. If you have the opportunity to visit tea regions in Yunnan personally, you will find that the fresh leaves of ancient tree teas of the arbor type have a lot of down, feeling like velvet when touched, with very good texture. Moreover, after brewing well-processed dry tea, the leaves at the bottom are full and leathery, without any dryness. Differentiating Pu'er Spring Tea One: Observe From the leaf shapes, ancient tree teas show better tenderness. By comparing dry tea leaves, it can be found that most of the buds of ancient tree teas are quite short and not plump, with dense buds. Most Pu'er spring teas do not have a…

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…

Dahongpao tea has a taste of orchid fragrance, with a rich and lasting aroma. High-quality Dahongpao has a refreshing aroma, and a beautiful taste that is sweet, smooth, and mellow upon entry. Low-quality Dahongpao tastes bitter, astringent, numbing, and sour. The Mouthfeel of Dahongpao: The leaves are stout and uniform in shape, with a fresh green-brown color. After brewing, the tea soup turns into a deep orange-yellow color, clear and bright. The leaves are soft and bright, with crimson edges and light green centers that are yellowish. It combines the mellow sweetness of black tea with the fresh fragrance of green tea, with a harmonious character that is not cold. Dahongpao comes in fragrant and rich styles. Its quality characteristics include a tight, neat leaf shape, a fresh green-brown color, and after brewing, an orange-yellow and bright tea soup, with leaves that display a pleasing contrast of red and green. Dahongpao’s most prominent feature is its rich orchid-like fragrance, with a high and lasting aroma and distinct rock character. Dahongpao is very resilient to multiple infusions, retaining its aroma even after seven or eight brews. How to Brew Dahongpao for Best Flavor 1. Clean the Teaware Good tea deserves good…

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…

Flower tea, blending floral and tea aromas, not only has a unique taste but also offers various health benefits. To fully enjoy the deliciousness and efficacy of flower tea, the correct brewing method is crucial. Below, we will detail the brewing methods for several common types of flower tea. (Image source from the internet, delete upon request) Brewing Method for Rose Flower Tea Rose flower tea helps relieve stress and improve skin condition. Water temperature and time are key when brewing rose flower tea. 1. Take 5-6 dried rose flowers and place them in a teapot or teacup. 2. Control the water temperature between 85-90 degrees Celsius; do not use boiling water as it can destroy the aroma and nutrients of the roses. 3. Pour in hot water and let it steep for 3-5 minutes. Adjust the steeping time according to personal taste. (Image source from the internet, delete upon request) 4. Rose flower tea can be enjoyed on its own or with honey or lemon added to enhance the flavor. Brewing Method for Jasmine Flower Tea Jasmine flower tea has a pleasant fragrance that refreshes the mind. The correct brewing method ensures the full release of jasmine’s aroma. 1.…

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…

Original mine Dicong Qing is the top-grade material among purple clays, akin to being the "top student" in its category.Not only is it widely loved by pot enthusiasts, but it was also the most favored clay by the late master of zisha, Gu Jingzhou.It can be said that owning a pure and outstanding Dicong Qing zisha teapot is one of every player's wish lists. What is Dicong Qing?Dicong Qing originates from Huanglong Mountain in Yixing, Jiangsu, and belongs to the premium ore materials among purple clays. It was originally produced from the No. 4 pit in Huanglong Mountain, later from the No. 5 pit and Taisi mine, with the No. 4 pit being the best!What is meant by Dicong Qing? In the past, purple clay was called blue clay, and as it is buried deep within the mountain, ancestors primarily relied on experience for exploration, conducting trench probes. Typically, purple clay was found at the bottom of these trenches (the bottom trench), hence the term "Dicong Qing" (bottom trench blue clay) became customary.Regarding Dicong Qing, there are names like "No. 1 Dicong Qing," "No. 2 Dicong Qing," Toucang Qing, and Er (or Zhong) Cang Qing, with various explanations due to…