Chaozhou Red Clay Strove

The history of the Chaozhou red clay stove can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty, when similar water boiling utensils already existed. Over time, the Chaozhou red clay stove has continued to develop and improve, becoming an indispensable part of Chaozhou Gongfu tea. This red clay stove is made of high-quality red clay and is divided into two parts: the outer stove body is equipped with a metal lifting ring and ventilation holes to ensure air circulation inside the stove; the inner chamber has a honeycomb bottom for holding charcoal blocks. The red clay stove is usually used in conjunction with a Chaozhou Sha Diao, and it is an important component of Chaozhou's traditional tea culture.

Usage instructions:

When using a Chaozhou red clay stove, we should first place the stove on a stable ground or tabletop. When lighting the charcoal, it is recommended to use solid alcohol. Place it in the middle of the furnace chamber before lighting it, and then add charcoal around it. Be careful not to add too much to prevent overflow and potential danger. After lighting, observe the size and color of the flame, and adjust the amount of fuel added to control the size of the flame. After use, we can extinguish the charcoal with water and wait for it to cool down before cleaning.

Precautions:

1. The stove should be placed in a well-ventilated, dry, and stable location, away from flammable materials and out of reach of children.

2. It is essential to use compliant, high-quality fuel, avoiding inferior or unidentified sources of fuel to prevent incomplete combustion that could produce harmful gases or pose dangers.

3. Exercise caution when lighting the stove to avoid burns. If using matches or a lighter, maintain a safe distance between your hands and the flame.

4. Before using the stove for the first time or after a long period of disuse, properly preheat it to allow the body of the stove to adapt to temperature changes, preventing cracking.

5. Constantly monitor the size of the flame to avoid overheating that could burn through the body of the stove or cause a fire, as well as to ensure the flame is not too small to affect its use.

6. The red clay stove becomes extremely hot during use; do not touch it directly with your hands and use specialized tools for operation.

7. Do not allow the red clay stove to burn continuously for an extended period; give it adequate rest to prolong its lifespan.

8. After use, ensure the fuel is completely extinguished using safe methods such as dousing with water or covering.

9. Clean the stove only after it has completely cooled down to avoid cracking due to sudden cooling.

10. When storing, place it in a safe, dry area where it is not likely to be knocked over.

Chaozhou red clay, also known as Chaozhou Zhu Ni, is the primary material used in making Chaozhou handmade teapots. It originates from Chaozhou City in Guangdong Province, China, mainly found in regions such as Fengxi, Fengtang, and Fuyang. The clay is known for its fine texture, flexibility, and strong plasticity, resulting in finished products that are beautifully shaped, with simple lines and rich colors. The history of Chaozhou red clay dates back a long time, with the history of Chaozhou Zhu Ni teapots traceable to the mid-Qing dynasty.

Chaozhou is considered the homeland of Gongfu tea, and the area also produces red clay, boasting a long history and cultural background. The handmade pot-making technique of Chaozhou is comparable to that of Yixing Zisha teapots. Within tea culture, Chaozhou's "Gongfu tea" is regarded as one of the oldest types of Chinese tea ceremony. In terms of craftsmanship, Chaozhou red clay teapots differ from Yixing Zisha teapots. Chaozhou red clay pots are formed through traditional hand-pull techniques, whereas Yixing Zisha teapots are made using a method of shaping clay slabs.

Moreover, the overall craftsmanship and airtightness of Chaozhou red clay pots are superior to those of general Zisha teapots.