What Are Tea Petsand How do We Take Care of Them?

What Exactly Is A Tea Pet?

Tea pets, also known as "tea mascots" or "tea pet figurines," are small clay or ceramic figurines that tea lovers "feed" with tea liquid. Craftsmen create them in various shapes, each carrying distinctive meanings. These charming and decorative items are placed on the tea tray during tea ceremonies or tea sessions, adding to the aesthetic ambiance. They hold significance as a type of Chinese cultural artwork and serve as an integral component of tea culture.

Traditional tea pets are typically made of "purple sand (Yixing clay)" sourced from the Yixing area in Jiangsu Province, China. Similar to the famous Yixing teapot, traditional tea pets have no glaze and are mostly monochromatic, featuring a rough surface. Over time, tea pets change color and emit a charming tea fragrance, resulting from prolonged "raising."

Taking care of tea pets involves simple rituals. They are rinsed with hot water before and after each tea session to cleanse and awaken them. Some tea enthusiasts even believe that pouring the first brew of tea over the tea pet is a gesture of respect and gratitude.

Next, I will share more about tea pets. There are so many mysterious stories behind them!

The history and legends about tea pets

Of course, it is almost impossible to prove who made the first tea pet. We can only look for some clues from the vast sea of ancient Chinese books to infer the approximate time and origin of its invention.

Tea pets are said to have originated in the Tang Dynasty (A.D. 618-907) and the Song Dynasty (A.D. 960-1127). During the Song Dynasty, as pottery in Yixing, Jiangxi Province, flourished, teapot craftsmen started molding Yixing clay into various mythological creatures and animals, creating mascots for tea enthusiasts.

Sidenote: Yixing City in Jiangxi Province is an important producing area of teapots, cups, and other tea-making utensils in Chinese history and even today. The world-famous purple clay pot comes from here.

Several hundred years later, during the Ming Dynasty's Wanli period (1573-1620), a ceramic artist named Chen Zhongmei gained recognition for her expertise in crafting various purple clay sculptures, as documented in the ancient book "Yang Xian Ming Tao Lu."

According to records, Chen Zhongmei was originally from Wuyuan, Jiangxi Province. She initially worked as a porcelain maker in Jingdezhen and later relocated to Yixing, Jiangxi Province, to specialize in purple clay pottery production.

Monkey Mother and Child Tea Pet (1616 -1912)

Sidenote: Jingdezhen is a very important porcelain production place in China. The imperial court commissioned work, and in the Yuan Dynasty (A.D. 1279-1368), an imperial ceramic factory was established at Jingdezhen. The city has a well-documented history that stretches back over 2000 years. Jingdezhen is known as the "Porcelain Capital," and Yixing is known as the "Pottery Capital."

With a combination of unrestrained imagination and exceptional skill, Chen Zhongmei meticulously crafted a series of lifelike pottery. For example, much of this pottery features mythological monsters and various flying insects, birds, and beasts, including many tea pets. It is not difficult to infer from this that many people were engaged in the production of tea pets at that time.

In the Palace Museum, we can still see a variety of exquisite purple clay cultural toys made hundreds of years ago. For example, some are shaped like walnuts, Sika deer, and small monsters. These gadgets are exquisitely crafted, lifelike, and of high artistic value. It is worth noting that these tea pets were owned by royal families, reflecting the popularity of tea pets throughout the country.

Why do people make tea pets?

Speaking from my own experience, there are several reasons:

1. Tea pets can bring more fun to tea drinkers and enhance the tea-drinking experience

Having pets can bring joy and comfort to our lives.The majority of tea pets are crafted in the shape of adorable animals.If you have an affinity for cute animals and enjoy drinking tea,owning a cute tea pet can provide a similar sense of joy and psychological comfort.We use tea liquid to 'nourish' them, similar to caring for pets.Certain tea pets have a hollow structure, and when hot tea water is poured, thermal expansion and contraction cause foaming and spraying, adding an interesting element to tea enjoyment.I have a vivid memory of the moment I introduced our guests to the recently purchased tea pet, Pee Pee Boy, and they burst into laughter.

Pee Pee Boy Tea Pet

2. They are imbued with mysterious powers, beautiful wishes, or special meanings

Do you remember when I mentioned earlier that the prototypes of some tea pets come from myths and legends? China is a country with plentiful cultural legends, and some mythological characters and animals have been endowed with divine power.

This is easy to understand, and similar evidence can be found in both Eastern and Western cultures. For example, some are believed to possess magical powers that bring happiness, peace, wealth, or good luck to people.

If possible, who would refuse to have a magical wand? If the owner of the tea room is superstitious about this, it wouldn't be surprising to see such a tea pet in their tea room.In fact, many tea pets have been given various meanings, which are reflected in their appearance. 

Kirin Tea Pet

3. Functionality

Of course, you may not be superstitious and prefer items that have practical functionality. My answer is yes, tea pets can be used to decorate your cozy tea room. You can place multiple tea pets to enhance this effect. Some people believe that tea pets not only serve as decorations but also have practical functions. When you're brewing tea and want to discard excess water or tea liquid without splashing it on your friends, you have a more ceremonial option. Simply pour it directly onto your tea pet. Most tea pets have a very smooth surface, so the hot water won't splash everywhere. Congratulations! You have just "fed" your tea pet. It's much easier than feeding a dog.

How are tea pets made?

They are usually handcrafted using unglazed Yixing clay to maintain the natural color of the clay. There are three types of Yixing clay: purple, red, and green. Tea pets can be made from any of these clays or from a mixture of two clays to produce different colors. You can also find some tea pets made of other materials on the market today.

Purple Clay Stone

Many people in China are very fond of tea pets made of purple clay - this is also my personal favorite, not only because they are traditional but also because their colors match traditional Chinese tea sets. 

The production process is roughly divided into the following steps:

1.Material selection: 

The first step in making a tea pet is selecting the appropriate material. Traditional tea pets are often made from clay or ceramics. High-quality clay with good plasticity and heat resistance is preferred for this purpose. Materials used for tea pets include clay, gypsum, sand, clay, etc. 

Materials must be selected based on the requirements of the tea pets.

2. Design:

Workers should draw sketches or hand-drawn drawings based on the shape, meaning, and size of the tea pets.

3.Shaping the tea pets

Skilled artisans or potters shape the clay into various forms using their hands or pottery tools. They can create tea pets in the shape of animals, mythical creatures, or symbolic figures. The sculpting process involves molding the clay and refining the details to bring the desired design to life.

4.Drying

Once the basic shape is achieved, the tea pet is left to dry naturally. This process allows the moisture in the clay to evaporate, making it firm and ready for further refinement. It may take several days or weeks for the tea pet to dry completely, depending on its size and thickness.

5.Firing

Once the tea pet is fully dried and detailed, it is ready to be fired in a kiln. The firing process involves placing the tea pet in a kiln and subjecting it to high temperatures. This transforms the clay into a durable ceramic material that can withstand the heat of boiling water during tea preparation. The duration and temperature of firing depend on the type of clay and the desired finish.

6.Glazing (Optional)

After firing, the tea pets can be colored with pigments to make various patterns and colors, and can also be coated with protective agents.This step enhances the aesthetics and durability of the tea pet.

7.Manual decoration

After the painting is completed, manual decoration can be carried out with inlaid jewelry, fabrics, jewelry, etc.

8.Inspection

After the production is completed, the tea pet should be carefully inspected to ensure that there are no cracks or damage. Artisans may smoothen the surface, polish it, or add additional decorative elements if desired. This final touch ensures that the tea pet meets the desired quality standards.

9. Packaging

Pack the finished tea pets in exquisite packaging boxes and deliver them to stores or customers.

The process of making a tea pet requires craftsmanship, creativity, and attention to detail. Each tea pet is unique, reflecting the skill and artistic vision of the artisan who crafted it. 

Where should tea pets be placed on the tea table?

In traditional Chinese culture, the placement and taboos of tea pets are strictly regulated. The placement can affect their aesthetic appeal.

Tea pets are typically positioned in the quarter area of the tea tray, in the upper left corner, directly in front of you. Avoid placing them at the extreme edge of the tea table.

Certain tea pets with special meanings or religious connotations are positioned in specific locations. For example, Maitreya Buddha tea pets should have their smiling faces directed towards the guests to convey politeness. This is a minor aspect of China's intricate tea culture.

However, if you prefer a less conventional approach, you can position your tea pets according to your personal preferences, which is not a big deal.

Why do tea pets change color?

Another surprising feature of tea pets is their ability to change color. Does it sound magical? In the following section, I will explain the secrets behind this phenomenon.

The primary reason tea pets change coloris the continued oxidation of tea polyphenols, resulting in a darker coloration. In a previous section of this article, I explained why we pour tea water on tea pets to keep them moisturized. Over time, their colors become darker, and their surfaces become smoother. Similar to a cup of clear green tea, when exposed to high temperatures for an extended period, it loses its original green color and transitions to yellow. This color change is due to the oxidation of tea polyphenols in the tea water, which forms yellow-red or reddish-brown compounds such as Theaflavin, Thearubigin, theafuscin, and others. These compounds are the key factors behind the color change in tea pets. Another reason is related to the materials used to make tea pets

 

Color-changing tea pets

Color-changing tea pets, also known as "magic tea pets" or "thermochromic tea pets," are a unique variation of traditional tea pets. Unlike regular tea pets, which maintain a consistent appearance, color-changing tea pets have a special characteristic – they change color in response to temperature variations.

Color-changing Tea Pet

Another reason attributed to the materials used in tea pet production. Some tea pets crafted using modern techniques may undergo color changes due to the incorporation of special thermosensitive (resin) materials. At room temperature, the color of these tea pets is natural, smooth, and bright. However, exposure to high temperatures causes the thermosensitive material to undergo heating, resulting in color changes. Once cooled, the tea pets' original color can be restored, although the degree of color change may vary depending on the specific material used.

How to daily maintain tea pets (how to raise tea pets)?

The process of caring for tea pets contributes significantly to the pleasure they bring us.

It is crucial to avoid placing tea pets in environments with toxic chemicals such as gas and paint to prevent pollution and discoloration. Tea pets should be placed in a well-ventilated and dry environment.

Cute little Maitreya Tea Pet

Feeding and raising a tea pet is a rewarding and captivating journey. With long-term and careful feeding and caring, your tea pet will develop a spiritual presence and become a wonderful companion on your tea tasting journey. When hot tea is poured over a tea pet, it absorbs the liquid and gradually releases it through evaporation.

Please note that the following suggestions are applicable to some common tea pets, as everyone has their own favorite.

1.Choose the appropriate type of tea to feed your tea pet

Fermented teas such as pu-erh tea, black tea, or dark tea are the best choices to "raise" your tea pets. They evenly enhance the color of the tea pet, providing a pleasant tactile experience and emitting a delightful fragrance. Pu-erh tea is particularly suitable for raising tea pets due to its specific qualities, but you can also use black tea, dark tea, oolong tea, and other fermented teas for faster results. Green tea is relatively slower, so it is ideal to use the same type of tea if conditions allow.

2.Water your pet with tea liquid from time to time

Caring for tea pets involves simple rituals. They should be rinsed with hot water before and after each tea session to cleanse and invigorate them. Some tea enthusiasts believe that pouring the first brew of tea over the tea pet is a gesture of respect and gratitude. Over time, the tea pet absorbs the essence of the tea, developing a patina that reflects the tea drinker's journey.

A squirting frog tea pet

When raising a tea pet, it is important to water it with tea, not plain water. Using plain water may cause the tea pet's surface to gradually become rough. This is especially important for purple clay tea pets, as they require daily "feeding" with tea liquid.

The maintenance of purple clay tea pets is similar to that of Yixing pottery pots. Pour the remaining tea or leaf washing water onto the tea pet, and use a tea brush to wipe the surface of the tea pet to help it absorb the tea evenly. Avoid using soapor any dishwashing liquid to clean tea pets. Over time, your tea pet will absorb sufficient tea water, resulting in a shinier surface. You can also use a teapot pen or brush dipped in tea water to accelerate the process. Soaking tea pets directly in tea can result in uneven luster and poor texture, so it requires patience and perseverance to raise your tea pet. The end result will be rewarding.

Chinese tea pet VS Japanese tea pet

Puppy Tea Pet

The Chinese tea pet originated from the development of Chinese tea culture. Influenced by Chinese tea culture, other countries also have their own versions of tea pets. For example, various Japanese tea pets can be found in the market.

In Japan, tea pets are known as "chabana" or "tea flowers." Unlike Chinese tea pets, which are usually made of clay, Japanese tea pets consist of living plants or flowers that are placed alongside the tea set during the tea ceremony. These natural adornments add beauty, elegance, and a touch of seasonal charm to the tea ritual.

Both Chinese tea pets and Japanese tea pets contribute a unique and meaningful element to tea ceremonies, reflecting the cultural values, aesthetics, and traditions of each country. Whether it's a clay figurine or a delicate flower, tea pets enhance the tea-drinking experience and contribute to the overall enjoyment and mindfulness of tea culture.

Summary

A tea pet is a small decorative item for tea enthusiasts. As the name suggests, it is placed on the tea tray or used as a companion during tea sessions. They are often associated with different symbolic meanings. The majority of tea pets are crafted from purple clay pottery. Tea pets have a long history and are integral to Chinese tea culture. When you have your favorite tea pet, you should take care of it properly over time, and it will gradually become a cherished companion that enhances your tea-drinking experience and brings joy.