Tea Pets

Tea pets are small clay or ceramic figurines, typically unglazed, kept by tea drinkers, particularly in Chinese Gongfu tea practice. They are cultivated over time by rinsing them with tea during tea preparation and enjoyment.

Origin and Purpose

Tea pets originated in China and are often associated with the Yixing clay teaware used in Gongfu tea ceremonies. Their purpose is multifaceted:

• Aesthetic Enhancement: Tea pets add a decorative and personal touch to the tea ceremony setup.
• Symbolism: Many tea pets represent good luck, prosperity, longevity, or other auspicious qualities.
• Tea Sharing: Rinsing tea pets with the initial brews of a tea session, which are sometimes discarded to wash the leaves, is a way to share the tea and its flavor with the figurine. It is also believed to cultivate the pet over time.
• Aesthetic Observation: The gradual absorption of tea tannins into the unglazed clay changes the appearance of the tea pet over time, deepening its color and adding a lustrous sheen. This change is seen as a reflection of the tea drinker's dedication and the shared experience of enjoying tea.

Materials and Types

Tea pets are commonly made from:

• Yixing Clay: Prized for its porous quality, which readily absorbs tea and contributes to the pet's transformation.
• Purple Clay (Zisha): A type of Yixing clay known for its reddish-purple hue.
• Other Clays and Ceramics: Various other clays and ceramic materials can be used, though they may not absorb tea as readily as Yixing clay.

Tea pets come in a wide variety of shapes and forms, including:

• Animals: Popular choices include dragons, turtles, frogs, pigs, and auspicious creatures like pixiu.
• Mythological Figures: Buddha, Guanyin, and other deities.
• Historical Characters: Figures from Chinese folklore and history.
• Fruits and Vegetables: Representing abundance and prosperity.
• Abstract Designs: Modern and minimalist forms.

Cultivation

The process of "raising" a tea pet involves regularly rinsing it with tea. The tea tannins are absorbed into the unglazed clay, gradually changing the pet's color and adding a smooth, polished surface. Some tea drinkers prefer to use specific types of tea to cultivate their pets, believing that different teas will impart different qualities. The more a tea pet is cared for, the more valuable and meaningful it becomes to its owner.