Purple - clay tea pets are unique and charming items in Chinese tea culture.
They are mainly made from purple clay, which is sourced from specific mines. The purple clay has excellent properties such as good air permeability and unique texture. This kind of clay can better preserve the flavor of tea during the tea - making process, and it also gives the tea pets a solid and durable quality.
Most purple - clay tea pets are hand - made by skillful craftsmen. The production process involves several elaborate steps. First, the clay is carefully kneaded and shaped into various forms, such as cute animals, traditional Chinese deities, or other vivid figures. Then, through delicate carving techniques, details like facial expressions, patterns on the body, and decorative elements are added to make the tea pets more vivid and lifelike. After that, they are fired at a specific temperature in a kiln to achieve the final hardness and color.
These tea pets play an important role in the tea - drinking ceremony. When tea is poured over them during the tea - making process, they seem to come to life as the tea liquid flows over their surfaces. They not only add an element of fun and artistry to the tea - drinking environment but also symbolize certain cultural meanings. For example, some tea pets in the shape of the God of Wealth symbolize good fortune and prosperity, while those in the form of the God of Longevity represent health and longevity. In general, purple - clay tea pets are an integral part of Chinese traditional tea culture, carrying rich cultural connotations and the wisdom of the craftsmen.
