At a Chinese tea ceremony, a certain art is seen in preparing, drinking, and serving tea. This ritual has long been a part of the Chinese culture, a time for people to balance the mind and body. While the tea is a huge part of the ceremony, which is usually Chinese green tea, the tea ware used to serve the tea is also considered vital. For this reason, you would find authentic Chinese teapots and tea cups used in ceremonies of this kind.
Types of Chinese Teapots
While there are many different types of Chinese teapots, one in particular that is original and perfect for tea ceremonies or entertaining friends in the US is called the Yixing. While the spelling appears as if the word would be pronounced one way, it is actually “E-Ching”. This type of Chinese teapot is a collectible and features a design that has been used in China for thousands of years. In fact, some Chinese swear that this type of teapot is magical, which comes in shapes of the Buddha, lotus flower, vegetables, animals, and fruits.
Although finding an authentic Yixing Chinese teapot would be hard to find, some newer options on the market feature contemporary shapes. For instance, this type of teapot is now made in the shape of a wheelbarrow, chair, and other whimsical shapes that are sure to please.
Materials of the Yixing Teapot
The red clay used to make the Yixing teapot can only be found in the Yunnan province of China. Because of the material, this ware is porous, making it easier to absorb color, which is why even the older teapots still have original vibrant colors. These teapots are not even glazed although some of the newer ones could be. Keep in mind that you only want to use one type of tea with the teapot because it will eventually begin absorbing flavors. Therefore, whether you love chai green tea, gunpowder green tea, Chinese black tea, flowering tea, Jasmine tea, or something else, use just one pot for each type of tea.
Finding Yixing Chinese Teapots
It is actually very easy to locate Yixing teapots. Because they are considered so popular and the perfect collectible, they are everywhere. However, if you were looking for a genuine teapot, one of value, it would be important to purchase from a reputable and qualified dealer or vendor. That way, you know you are buying homemade pot and not one made with a machine or some cheap knock-off. If the teapot is genuine, your favorite healthy tea will taste better and heat more efficiently.
Remember, there are certain things you want to look for when buying an authentic Chinese Yixing teapot. Some of the more important elements include:
Cap – Needs to be firm and not easy to move
Body – Should not feel grainy
Knob – Needs to be in sync with the body, preferably ergonomic
Handle – Should be large enough to hold and firm
Capacity – Needs to be able to hold a substantial amount of water, enough to serve up to three people but no more
Mouth Net – Should have a net over the mouth to help strain loose tea leaves
Hardiness – Needs to be strong and durable
Color – Should never be dyed
Shape – Can be anything but the shape should not be clumsy and awkward
Craftsmanship – Overall teapot should be well made
Material – All Yixing Chinese teapots should only be made from Zhu or purple clay
Bottom – Should have the name of the artist engraved on the bottom
Skin – If the Yixing teapot is quality, it would have a brittle like skin with thinner interior walls
Pouring – When exotic tea is poured from the Yixing teapot, a smooth, consistent stream should be seen
Remember that along with the mentioned qualities of the Yixing Chinese teapot, when you find one that has it all, you could pay a high price. Therefore, you should spend time looking so you can make comparisons. If all the prices are outside your budget, then you might see if a manmade pot works.
