Teaware

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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 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 tea ware is the father of tea. There are many mystical theories about choosing tea ware, but you can largely get it right by remembering the following principles: 1. The coarseness or fineness of the tea ware's texture is directly proportional to the degree of fermentation and age of the tea. In other words, teas with lower degrees of fermentation are best suited for finer-textured wares, such as green tea in celadon or glassware, oolong in finer grained purple clay, and dark tea in coarse stoneware or coarser grained purple clay. This is because the finer the texture, the better it is at bringing out the warmth and smoothness of lightly or unfermented teas. Coarse stoneware, on the other hand, can absorb the off-flavors of aged teas, so-called "sweetness after water passes through sand," which helps to dissipate the turbidity of aged teas. 2. The height of the tea ware is directly proportional to the age of the tea. In principle, older teas, which do not fear steeping, are well-suited for taller, deeper vessels, like the "Qin Quan" and "Han Duo" styles of purple clay, which can effectively bring out the character of the tea. Finer, more delicate teas,…

1. Attire should be elegant, not vulgar. Women typically wear brightly colored silk cheongsams or blue printed cotton clothes from the Jiangnan region, which are generally considered graceful and elegant as long as they fit loosely and naturally without being too tight. It is inappropriate to wear revealing tops, sleeveless dresses, or semi-transparent garments. Men can wear suits with ties or traditional Chinese attire. Except for child performers of tea ceremony, it is not appropriate to wear shorts or miniskirts as they detract from the elegance of the performance. 2. Makeup should be light and natural, not heavy and garish. The tea ceremony is neither a stage play nor simply a process of brewing and drinking tea; it is a form of art and culture with a certain cultural connotation. Tea ceremony performers' makeup should adhere to the following principles: (1) Face and hands: The focus should be on showing clear, clean skin. Nails must be trimmed neatly, and nail polish should not be used. Eyebrows and lips can be lightly outlined, but it's best to avoid obvious makeup. Heavy lipstick, thickly drawn eyebrows, false eyelashes, heavily lined eyes, and thick rouge all run counter to the refined and elegant…

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…

A set of exquisite tea wares paired with a good tea that is full of color, aroma, and taste can be said to complement each other perfectly. Since ancient times, one of the important manifestations of people's attention to the art of tea drinking has been their emphasis on the artistry of the tea ware itself. Therefore, to drink good tea, one cannot do without the corresponding tea wares. Ceramic Tea Wares The clay used for ceramics is fine, and the firing temperature is high; the body is relatively thin, and when struck it produces a crisp sound. Because the surface of ceramic wares is smooth and dense, they do not absorb water or flavor. Moreover, ceramic tea wares conduct heat quickly and do not absorb aroma, so they can fully express the character of the tea, producing a fragrant and fresh taste when brewing tea. Due to these characteristics, ceramic tea wares are particularly suitable for brewing teas with a light and uplifting style. Suitable for brewing: Teas made from tender leaves such as green tea, floral-scented black teas, and lightly fragranced oolong teas like Tieguanyin, new white teas like Baihao Yinzhen, etc. Earthenware Tea Wares The clay used…