Chinese Tea Sets: Jingdezhen China Tea Sets, Yixing Teapots

Chinese Clay Teapot: Set with a Sense

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 03:42:40 -0500

caption id="2" align="alignleft" width="250" caption="The Yixing Buddism Feather Tea Set"/captionThe Chinese clay teapot’s stylish contour and the grace it exudes bring a sense of sophistication to the ordinary. Its peacock feather design or the “Buddhism Feather” brings a sense of purpose to what is considered as an ordinary art form.

This Chinese Clay tea set is made from purple clay which is an extraordinary material found only in China’s quaint little town of Yixing. This clay is a mainstay in tea pottery and other wares in the industry of ceramics making. The clay is all natural. Truly a God’s gift to mankind in the form all natural goodness. The seclusion of the place nourishes the land of this rare material and deprives the soil of common earthly foes like lead and chemicals which are harmful to the health and to the temple of God, the body.

The exquisite characteristic of the purple clay that gained its reputation as one of the best form for tea wares is its special ability for retention. The pores of the clay enables the pot and cups to trap the heat for prolonged warmth when sipping tea slowly. It also rooms in the distinct aroma and flavor of a particular tea for that heavenly delight. Over time, the brew gets richer, thicker and fuller one infusion after the next which makes one feels he or she is on cloud nine.

Yes, cloud nine it is. The elaborate design and intricate carving of the

caption id="2" align="alignright" width="250" caption="The Yixing Buddism Feather Tea Set"/caption

peacock feather in the set transcends its sacredness over the tea enthusiasts. In Buddhism, the feather symbolizes openness, both in earthly and heavenly aspects. This is perfectly and literally appreciated when the peacock displays everything when it spreads its tails and wings. A design often used as an inspiration in many Asian traditions and cultures. A showcase of the fervent and close relationship Asians have with their spirituality.

Beyond its magnificence in the intangible world, the purple clay tea set contains a tea pot with two tea cups and two saucers or cup seats. The tea pot stands pretty and divine with its ten-centimeter height, spread lovely with all its glory in a thirteen-centimeter diameter and opens fully with a five-centimeter mouth diameter. More or less, the pot can hold up about 250 millimeters of water.

The teacups seem like pillars supporting the teapot with its shorter stature of 4.5 centimeters in height and 5.5 centimeters diameter of the brim. Each cup can hold about 40 millimeters of brewed tea. The number of the cups implies that this tea set is used for occasional, intimate and sometimes spiritual session with a loved one. The cups represent how the gods would behave in a tea session. It holds the cup, when one is tired of holding a hot cup of tea. It also catches any spillage, showing a god’s virtues of thriftiness and cleanliness.

caption id="2" align="alignleft" width="250" caption="The Yixing Buddism Feather Tea Set"/captionToday, tea enthusiasts around the world enjoy their cup of tea from a Chinese clay teapot made from the rare purple clay. Its almost divine interpretation is showed off in its infrequent production. Since the creation of this set requires a highly skilled set of hands, limited stocks circulate in the world market. However, people don’t mind it at all. The unique simplicity and deep sense of meaning of the set and the design is a thing best understood by people of equal sense and maturity.

Antique Tea Sets: Blast from the Past

Fri, 30 Jul 2010 00:05:14 -0500

caption id="2" align="alignleft" width="250" caption="The Jingdezhen Peking Opera Mask Tea Set"/caption

The Dehua region in the Fujian province of China was one of the main ceramic producers and distributors in the ancient times. Going back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), over a hundred furnaces have been discovered. This is where porcelain objects and other materials were processed to achieve their most luminous form translated only as ivory white or milk white. When it has reached new destinations, this famous Chinese porcelain was coined with a new term by the West as Blanc de Chine or Chinese White. Giving justice to its chic nickname, the place still prides itself with its old reputation by producing almost the same type of tea wares now more aptly called antique tea sets.

What is it in the Dehuan porcelain that when refined turns into a

classical example of beauty? The low level of iron oxide (red-orange pigment that turns

caption id="2" align="alignright" width="250" caption="The Jingdezhen Peking Opera Mask Fair Cup"/caption

white when burned) found in it needs it to be fired in a temperature that transforms it into a pale form of white. This is a characteristic which makes it different from the equally famous Jingdezhen porcelain.

It has found its way to become a trademark of Dehuan tea ware industry. The typical antique tea set contains one pot, six cups and a gaiwan.

The teapot and tea cups’ size are somewhat similar with other tea sets on Chinese cultures. The teapot’s height of 8 centimeters and a lip diameter of 13 centimeters can hold enough water (30-400 millimeters) for pouring and refilling. The cup’s lip has a wider diameter of 8.6 centimeters than its base and standing at a height of 4.2 centimeters. The mathematical disproportion is a scientific marvel to tea industry since the design commands function and comfort all in one.

caption id="2" align="alignleft" width="250" caption="The Jingdezhen Peking Opera Mask Tea Cup"/caption

The gaiwan’s addition to the classical tea set is a historical mark. Prior to its discovery, tea was normally sipped from the container from which it was brewed from. Since its introduction, the gaiwan became a staple in tea sets. A gaiwan is made up of a saucer, a bowl and a lid. For the tea to be brewed in the bowl and be able to witness it, the function of the lid comes in place. This piece, as well the other pieces in the set are the preferred materials when infusing green tea and white tea, known to have delicate aromas and flavors. The article’s properties make it ideal for preserving the distinctness of those two teas.

Over the glossy surfaces of the tea sets sprawls a design of a Peking

caption id="2" align="alignright" width="250" caption="The JIngdezhen Peking Opera Mask Cup With Chinese Map on the other side"/caption

(Beijing) Opera Mask. This is the biggest highlight of the set. The significance of the design lies on the three colors of red, black and white used in forming the mask. Red signifies courage, loyalty and devotion. The black color indicates boldness and selflessness. The white one suggests cleverness and wickedness. These three colors all represent famous Chinese personalities portrayed in plays in the course of history.

caption id="2" align="alignleft" width="250" caption="The Jingdezhen Peking Opera Mask Gai Wan"/caption

The vintage design and the architecture of the package are two signs of the Chinese’s rich cultural tradition and history and their ingenuity and skills. Specifically, the antique tea sets made of Dehuan porcelain are a constant reminder of the nation’s glorious past, now shared with the rest of the world.

Nice Green Porcelain Tea Set

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 23:10:27 -0500

caption id="2" align="alignleft" width="200" caption="The JIngdezhen Green Dongpo Tiliang Tea Set"/caption

This very unique tea pot and tea cups are made of exceptional, high quality porcelain. Most famous for its lean, pale and ivory white color, the porcelain that is found in Jingdezhen, China is the material that gives rise to this wonderful tea set.

Check out the humble appearance of the tea sets. Just by looking at them, one will be mesmerized by its simple beauty. One’s favorite tea shines like the sea inside these glossy cups. When infusing it, the hue itself tells exactly when the tea is just right for consumption. With its 50-milliliter capacity, one cup is surely not enough.

One may feel a strong sense of security upon holding the pot. Just look at that design which speaks both of function and style. The wide handle provides for an easy but strong grip that lets tea lovers pour their favorite concoction effortlessly, all 160 milliliters of it. With the spout slightly turned upward, the whole pouring and refilling process is a mess-free activity.

However, the preparation of just one set of these finely crafted pieces is no easy task. Just one mistake and in a split of a second, months of work will be gone. Tea sets like these require several processes of firing and heating at more than 1000 degrees Celsius to bring out their natural luster and durability.

That is why only the skilled hands of artists with years of experience

caption id="2" align="alignright" width="200" caption="The JIngdezhen Green Dongpo Tiliang Tea Set"/caption

and training can create such beautiful creations. Not to mention, this set is purely handmade so no two sets are exactly the same. That gives a sense of individuality to whoever owns this, a personalized item made from the hands of some of the most expert potters in the world.

Unluckily, the long years of quarrying the site for obtaining porcelain has resulted to the dramatic decrease of reserves of the said material in the area. What is sadder is that this clay may be forever gone in the near future as what specialists say.

Before it is too late, be a part of history and get a set of this one-of-a kind creation. Form its simple shiny exterior and distinctive design; it is not a loss to own this one even if it gets a little pricey. It does not matter anyway, the fine texture and extensive method of manufacturing this ensures the patrons of the quality, class and superiority of the artifact.

caption id="2" align="alignleft" width="200" caption="The JIngdezhen Green Dongpo Tiliang Tea Cups"/caption

Even if the whole set just sits around in the corner of the living room or in the office, it serves its purpose well as an accessory to any room. Visitors and friends alike will commend the owner for his/her exquisite taste in ornamentals and his/her love for good quality products.

This type of porcelain has been the topic of envious talks for centuries. With its rarity and unique craftsmanship, who can blame them for chatting over this precious material? Collect one now before its scarcity shoots its price to higher proportions. No needs to worry on the quality for all items are made by especially with the utmost care by master potters who have been trained for years.

Unique Ceramic Teapots: One-of-a Kind Tea Set

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 23:02:43 -0500

caption id="2" align="alignleft" width="200" caption="The Jingdezhen Happy Golden Fish Tea Set"/caption

Check out the graceful fish illustrated in this set. The creature seems to be floating endlessly on the surfaces of this unique ceramic teapot and cups.

The potter made a very lasting impression and he got the picture of the fish accurately. The fish, specifically the koi fish represent good fortune, prosperity and riches. The drawings rest upon the smoothened, comforting surface of pastel coloring which is glazed to its dewy form.

Yes, the potter knew exactly what he was doing since the shape of the pot and cups are designed technically to make tea better. The 1:2 combinations of pot and cups are ideal for a one-on-one conversation with a loved one.

For that pouring and refilling, the double-layer covering of the set and the varnished surfaces protect the hands of the drinkers even if the materials naturally hold in the warmth of the drink for a longer period of time compared to lower quality tea sets. With this design and exquisite molding, it is not really a surprise to not keep someone’s hands off this set.

Even if drinking a cup of tea everyday is not someone’s ‘cup of tea’, the wonders of the set can still be felt. Just try showcasing this set in the living room with visitors around and compliments would flood in. some may even raise their eyebrows in envy. This just shows that the one who owns an elegant set like this has good taste.

What exactly is the secret? The potters in Jingdezhen, China surely know this stuff. They use a particular kind of clay that can only be excavated in the said place. However, a limited amount of this clay is processed every year due to its rarity. The emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties restricted its use. Today, Jingdezhen tea sets can be purchased by almost anyone who can afford.

Acquiring this set has a price. The way it looks today is different from its primitive form. With its intensive preparation, no wonder it is only manufactured in limited numbers.

The pure form of the clay is molded to form the shapes of the pot and cups. The design is hand-painted on the surfaces of the set and later heated at a temperature of more than seven hundred degrees Celsius in the kiln.

The heating process makes the porcelain and the colors of the design parched, soft and neat. After that tedious method, the finished artistic design provides a sense of relief and amazement.

Today, there are only a small number of highly-skilled craftsmen available. More unfortunate than ever, the production of this special Jingdezhen clay has decreased due to its lowered reserves. Some tea shops in the area are already predicting the coming shut-down of their stores few years from now.

However, that fact does not give enough reasons not to purchase a set like this. Its rarity has a price but a price worth paying. The Jingdezhen unique ceramic teapots and teacups are made only from master potters in the area so the quality is out of the question. Be a part of history and enjoy your favorite brew with a beautiful set like this.

Porcelain Tea Sets: The Pride of Tea Pottery

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 22:50:05 -0500

caption id="2" align="alignleft" width="200" caption="The JIngdezhen Orchid Flower Tea Set"/caption

The porcelain industry of Jingdezhen, China has become famous not just in the said country but in worldwide societies as well. Most tea lovers would like to try their drink brewed and prepared in porcelain tea sets for the thrill of having to enjoy a cup of tea over a well known tea-friendly material. The porcelain made in this region and its elaborate description of paper-thin measurement, mirror-bright image and jade-white color all account for the reverence it gets from other porcelain centers in the world.

he Jingdezhen Chinese Porcelain tea sets are a must for tea enthusiasts and a must-try for beginners. Do not be confused with what color to choose from, either white or light blue because the two are the same basically. The Northern part of the region uses the white shade while the southern part chooses the lighter color of blue. There is no significance or whatsoever of the color of the set.

This specific set for example contains six cups and one pot with designs

caption id="2" align="alignright" width="200" caption="The JIngdezhen Orchid Flower Tea Set"/caption

that are purely hand-made. The play of colors forms a figure of a cymbidium (orchid) flower. This flower is known to represent spiritual purity in virtue and morality in Chinese tradition, just the kind of feeling one gets after enjoying a session with this set.

With its six-piece cups, the set is surely a fact to be cherished with friends and family. The cup’s height of 4.2 centimeters with a brim diameter of 8.6 centimeters is perfectly crafted to hold about 100 to 150 millimeters of tea and to soothe one’s needs in tea sipping. The handy base provides the needed extra protection for the palms of tea drinkers so that no unwarranted hand burning happens in the course of the session. The wider diameter makes the cooling of the brew a no-mess so that sipping becomes easy and comfortable; exactly what the whole tea session is all about.

The exceptional coating and glazing of the porcelain tea sets inside and out bring out the best of the brew, no matter what kind of tea it is. The cups specifically have the ability to retain the aroma and flavor over a period of time, without altering succeeding infusions.

caption id="2" align="alignleft" width="200" caption="The JIngdezhen Orchid Flower Tea Set"/caption

Given these information, one would be led to the simple story behind the start of the porcelain’s role in tea pottery. It is narrated that a government official from the Jin Dynasty (265-420 A.D.) moved to a quiet town called Jingdezhen. A lover of porcelain making, he mastered the art of shaping, heating and coating of tea sets into a once poor tea ware industry of the area. He taught the people there with what he knew and almost 1, 500 years after; Jingdezhen becomes what is known as China’s ‘Porcelain Capital.’

Chinese Tea Set: Love in a Flower Teacup

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 22:44:13 -0500

caption id="2" align="alignleft" width="200" caption="The Jingdezhen Loving Lotus Flower Tea Set"/caption

Sacred Lotus, Indian Lotus, Bean of India or whatever you may call it, the lotus flower complexly called in the scientific arena as “Nelumbo nucifera” is a constant aquatic plant. All parts of this flower make up for its sum. From the seeds to the flowers, the lotus plant is used in many ways as decorative instruments, food garnish and sometimes as medicinal alternatives. From there, the beautiful blossoming plant has been incorporated in some of the richest cultures in the world. It has found its way as inspiration for the designs to a lot of cultural symbols like the Chinese tea set used in ancient Chinese tea ceremonies.

Indian, Buddhist, Japanese and Chinese portray the magnificent flora as a symbol of chastity of mind, speech and body. It clearly and literally explains the flower’s buoyancy above the muddy waters of the Asian rivers and lakes. The lotus also represents sophistication, classic beauty, flawlessness and charm like no other flower ever did.

Chinese tea sets are more commonly used in Chinese wedding tea ceremonies.

Love is best represented by a marriage contract. Tea is made use in Chinese wedding ceremonies because it symbolizes respect and the purity of the bride and the ever fervent love of the groom and the bride to each other. The set is made up of a single tea pot with three tea cups.

Usually, in the Chinese tradition, the parents of the bride offer the set as a dowry and a wedding present which serves as a constant reminder of the couple’s love and affection. The designs most commonly used in this set are those with flower embellishments. What other plant best represent these strong emotions than the lotus?

The teapot has a height of 7.5 in centimeters with a brim diameter of 5.5

caption id="2" align="alignright" width="200" caption="The Jingdezhen Loving Lotus Flower Tea Set"/caption

centimeters. Each of the cups has a height of 3 centimeters and a brim diameter of 6.6 in the same unit of measurement. The pot’s dimensions are suited perfectly to hold a considerable amount of tea without unnecessarily wasting any quantity when pouring and refilling. The pots’ dimensions on the other hand are enough to hold an appropriate sum of tea. In little amount, the brew is poured so as to cherish the concocted liquid in a ritual of culture and love.

The material used in the tea set is made of pure porcelain. Also termed as ‘Fine China’, the features of this textile include a polished figurine-like appearance, a lovely hue of shade of white or blue and a smooth surface. The white color is mostly used to develop tea sets for

caption id="2" align="alignleft" width="200" caption="The Jingdezhen Loving Lotus Flower Tea Set"/caption

wedding since it represents cleanliness and love.

Sweet teas are used in Chinese wedding tea ceremonies. The triumvirate teas are the Tie Guan Yin tea, Pu Er tea and black tea. These teas are processed in a way that they retain some of the sugary tastes of the leaves that are naturally produced by tea leaves. Not only is the tea a representation of the couple’s union, the lotus flower carved perfectly in these tea sets is a sure shot emblem of undying love, purity of the intentions and preservation of culture and tradition.

A Wonderful Handcrafted Porcelain Teapot

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 22:34:42 -0500

caption id="2" align="alignleft" width="200" caption="The JIngdezhen Flower God Tea Set"/caption

Handcrafted porcelain teapots and tea cups are a sure shot of enjoying that perfect cup of tea. Not just any tea set though, one should opt for the ones made in Jingdezhen, China for they bring out the best taste and scent of the brew and the most health benefits.

This set for example was purely handmade from the said town. Jingdezhen is known for two millennia now as the authority when it comes to making porcelain for tea sets.

Only a few people know, but the success of the tea pots and cups made here is actually based on the very material where they were formed-the clay.

This special clay, only excavated in this quiet but world-famous place, has the ability to preserve the taste of tea being brewed. The porous property of the clay does this trick and when glazed, this special characteristic remains and more enhanced.

The shape of the tea cups does the trick also. Its wavy lip holds in the aroma of the tea, an ideal partner for strong teas. The wide brim of the cups catches every drop of tea poured from the pot.

The pot was intricately crafted as well. Its unique handle provides for a sophisticated grip on the teapot, just enough to pour appropriate amount on the cups.

Together, the handcrafted porcelain teapots and teacups look classy on any table, either in the kitchen or in the living room. Either way, the set adds sassiness and attracts attention from visitors.

The set is themed flower god/goddess as what the illustrations portray. In ancient Chinese tradition, a flower represents purity and undying love. The flowers depicted in the set are hand-painted. The colors are a feast to the eyes. Imagine the dexterity of the craftsmen who make this one.

From being dug out in, the clay undergoes a massive transformation. The artisans obscurely shape and mold the clay into astounding figures of pure artistry. On its not-yet smooth form, colors of red, yellow and green were played in harmony to take shape into flowers and leaves.

With a temperature of almost one thousand degrees Celsius, the painted clay is left inside the kiln for a period of time. The result is a softer, smoother, and glazed version of the set. The colors are neatly coated with a glossy appearance which is truly a sight to behold. Temperatures must be stable and must be watched carefully so as not to damage the delicateness of the set. Only the skills possessed by these talented craftsmen can create such a set.

With the set’s pure ethereal appearance, the color of the tea stands out. Not only are the senses of smell and taste get delighted, the eyes also get to experience the joy this tea set brings.

With a long history behind the use of this clay which was believed to start from the Ming Dynasty, the extraordinary clay in Jingdezhen has dropped to an alarming amount. This reason, together with the limited number of human resources, the production of the set has also narrowed.

Limited as they are the beauty of one set is limitless. The artists provide only the best and with their years of experience, expect to find a simple, high-quality tea set like this.

Handmade Ceramic Teapots: Blue and White Porcelain

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 22:32:22 -0500

caption id="2" align="alignleft" width="200" caption="The JIngdezhen Blue and White Tea Set"/caption

This stylish seven-piece tea set is truly a mark of respect to the years of tea drinking tradition that started in Asia and now equally cherished by the rest of the world. With its intricate shape and particular detailing, this package could be everyone’s gift. The traditional pattern is an interior decorator’s piece from heaven to add it as a highlight to any Asian homes. More than that, it is best enjoyed with friends and visitors for that anticipated tea session with them.

To better understand the magnificence of this set, one must look at how it its extensive preparation.

The creation of this item is very exceptional since it is all handmade. Handmade ceramic teapots are very rare and exceptional.

The very production of this set is limited since it requires highly skilled hands to mold and paint them like this.

When we say limited, the manufacturers mean it with a capital “L”. The materials used are blue and white porcelain, so named because of the white pottery/porcelain being decorated with blue hue from cobalt oxide. Originally appearing as grayish-black, the cobalt oxide turns to blue when fired at a temperature of one thousand three hundred degrees Celsius. The blue and white pattern is glazed and fired. Due to its extensive use of heat in processing, this wonderful, dramatic set has a moniker of its own, Underglazed Blue Porcelain.

The whole fiery process does not end there. To make it look striking like this set, red coloring (out of copper oxide) is added so that it appears as a contrasting agent to the dominating hue of blue. One thousand two hundred fifty to one thousand two hundred eighty degrees Celsius of heat is applied inside the oven to produce a calming shade of red.

Again, the design is either hand made by stenciling or picture-transferring. The result is an artisan’s masterpiece and a tea lover’s gift.

With the whole firing process, it is but right to make the pots and cups

caption id="2" align="alignleft" width="200" caption="The JIngdezhen Blue and White Tea Set 2"/caption

double-layered so that the hands will not be burned from the hot brewed tea inside them. The drinkers will need the extra layer since the unique property of the material holds in the warmth of the tea for a long time. So even if someone has not sipped his/her tea yet, the heat is still there together with the flavor and aroma.

The shaping and molding are specifically planned with a purpose. The wavy lip of the cups is made so as to hold the aroma inside longer than the usual, perfect for those teas with strong fragrance. The material’s ability to retain is reiterated, showing its significance to the whole process of tae preparation, tea drinking and enjoyment.

While sipping the tea of choice infused in this set, one may wonder where the whole blue and porcelain industry started. Some six hundred years ago, this porcelain was mass-produced at Jingdezhen, China which earned its reputation as the “Porcelain Capital” of the world. It was more emphasized and done with industrial fineness by Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty (1661-1722). Up to this day, the production at Jingdezhen continues but is now limited to a certain numbers per year.

These handmade ceramic teapots are works of arts by master potters in China. The years of practice and preparation and the finished product itself are proof of its high-quality.

Dao Ba Xi Shi Tea Pot: Beyond Appearance

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 04:51:51 -0500

caption id="2" align="alignleft" width="200" caption="The Yixing Painting Teapot"/caption

Good company and a preferred tea on hand, what more could be missing? Of course teapots like this one. The Dao Ba Xi Shi tea pot is a perfect tool to enjoy that lazy afternoon while sipping tea together with loved ones or friends.

A Yixing purple clay tea pot like this encourages one’s tea to release its full potential. An improved aroma, a better taste and a more enjoyable cup, all can be appreciated with this pot in hand.

A teapot like this is considered high-class by most tea enthusiasts. The reputation is highly attributed to the pot’s porous nature, that even if fired and heated for many times, still the pores remain.

This characteristic is brilliant for absorbing the flavor and aroma of the tea. If used more often, the pot develops a glossy interior which is even more useful in boosting the overall effect of the tea-taste, color and scent.

So pot after pot of tea brings out the best in each brew. Thanks to the

caption id="2" align="alignright" width="200" caption="The Yixing Painting Teapot"/caption

retaining property of the material, each brew is heightened and mixed with the previous concoctions to provide for a superb taste. There is no need to finish all that 200 milliliters of tea in a rush, though. The tea will stay pure, fresh and warm for a long time inside this pot compared to other tea pots which gives tea a bad taste especially with the heat of the summer.

The exterior of the pot also becomes shiny and smoother in less than a month from absorbing oils form the hands of tea drinkers. A more lustrous appearance shines through then which emphasizes the artistic sketches of the pot.

Aside from the tea brewing excellence this pot offers, the well-crafted, handmade pot is also noticed for its artistic worth. The design of the pot depicts a typical scenario in Chinese geography. A traditional building/temple landscaped beautifully with the Chinese mountains and skies as backgrounds, one must be blind not to see its worth. Truly, a work of art and a masterpiece coming from the great artist Zhou Xiao Ming who always wins in various competitions that involve paintings and sculpting.

With its quaint, little appearance and rich design, this piece serves as a perfect gift to friends and a great item at home, especially in the living room.

caption id="2" align="alignleft" width="200" caption="The Yixing Painting Teapot"/caption

The artistic side of this pot can be attributed by its unique invented ear-like (Dao Ba) handle. The structure itself is unique. The designer was also inspired by the beauty and goodness of Xi Shi (one of the four beauties representing ancient China), inside and out, hence, the origin for the name Dao Ba Xi Shi teapot.

Due to the persistence of the mining industry for a long time in Yixing, China, the porous clay is fast approaching inexistence. With the demand for wares made from this clay, the demand grows bigger while still the production goes slower.

However, rest assured that one pot from the very person who designs this piece of art is of good quality. Months of waiting for that pot to be delivered at the doorstep is worth the wait and after opening that box, one will see how the master designer made the handle, button and spout in a straight line for that wonderful flow of tea.

Enjoy sipping that tea in Yixing purple clay teapot like this and be enamored with the rich taste it provides.

Purple Clay Tea Pot: Exquisite Beauty

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 04:48:36 -0500

caption id="2" align="alignleft" width="200" caption="The Yixing Butterfly and Flower Teapot"/caption

While marveling at the distinct beauty this tea pot has, one can smell directly the scrumptious scent of the tea getting more and more astringent and appeals to the senses. Once sipped, the taste is even more delicious than the usual. One may wonder why that happened.

No, it is not the additives and definitely not just the imagination. It is not because of the tea, or maybe the tea has something to do with it because from the very start it is the tea’s flavor and aroma that are heightened right. Anyway, to make the record straight, the secret lies in the very material where the tea stands on, the clay that is molded into a beautiful tea pot like this one.

The clay is more commonly known as Yixing purple clay. This clay has a

caption id="2" align="alignright" width="200" caption="The Yixing Butterfly and Flower Teapot"/caption

unique characteristic of having pores in it. The pores have a tremendous effect on the tea leaves, extracting the natural goodness of the tea and retaining some of it inside, so infusion after infusion brings out a whole, new and more delicious blend of tea.

This teapot is also excellent for holding in more warmth than the usual and keeps the drink fresh all day long, thanks to it jacket like effect on newly-brewed teas. So the next time one brews a pot of tea and forgets about it, worry not for the taste and aroma all 200 milliliters of it will still be as good as if it was taken right off the heating process.

caption id="2" align="alignleft" width="200" caption="The Yixing Butterfly and Flower Teapot"/caption

The artist who made this pot took him/her months to complete. Skills and years of experience are two main ingredients to make this one. Each pot is hand made so even if the same potter makes another one of this kind, the result is a whole, new pot but with the same quality and beauty like this.

The artists use rare purple clay that can only be found in Yixing, China. Due to its functional marvel as a teapot, the clay has been mined and used for almost two millennia now. What is the result? Well, the result is an almost-exhausted source of clay. Historians say that once, the clay was limited for Imperial use only but it later became available for almost anyone.

So if an artist gets his/her hands on this clay, he/she does everything

caption id="2" align="alignright" width="200" caption="The Yixing Butterfly and Flower Teapot"/caption

to make it worthwhile, beautiful and functional. Only a master potter’s hands can transform a doughy material into a piece of art like this. Look and one will see closely that the handle, button and spout are aligned. Functionally, this makes pouring easier and drinking even better. No worries on the heat of the infusion though, it is contained by the dual covering of the pot. That is style and function all in one pot.

Who can not notice the wonderful hand painting of a flower and a butterfly on the belly of the pot? Depicting beauty ala nature at its very best captured in one unique teapot. In Chinese legends, a flower and a butterfly represent vitality, purity and beauty amidst the not-so enticing surroundings.

caption id="2" align="alignleft" width="200" caption="The Yixing Butterfly and Flower Teapot"/caption

Having this teapot shows one’s love for beauty and quality without compromising one another. Be wary though for your friends may get envious of your possession and on your brand new realization with the Chinese culture.