Lotus Leaf and Seed Pod Yixing Zisha Tea Pet

This tea pet's general shape is based on a lotus leaf, with a little frog lying on it and lotus root embellishment, which is really attractive and exquisite. The lotus seed pod on the upper is used as a teapot lid holder. When adding tea leaves and water to the tea pot, we may set the lid on it, which not only makes it easier to reach but also prevents accidental dropping. The diameter of the lotus pod (the lid holder part) is about 3.8cm, which is only suitable for the lids whose inner diameter is larger than 3.8cm.

Raise your tea pet

There is an old Chinese saying, that “soft fire makes sweet malt”. This also holds for seasoning tea pets: they can be “raised” by keeping them on your tea try and pouring tea over them, to nourish the pets. Their cute appearance and maturation in color and texture over time often results in them being a permanent part of a gongfu set.

1. Just about any liquid from the session can be used: the water used for originally warming the cups, the liquid from the first rinse of the leaves, or the leftover tea from each steep.

2. Evenly wipe or pour the liquid over the tea pet. Uneven spreading will result in a dappled appearance. Once dry, you can freely touch the pet however you like.

3. Using a brush or cloth, softly wipe the liquid into the surface of the tea pet.

4. If the pet is stained with dirt or anything else, salt can be used to clean it off first.

Origin

Yixing County is known as the Pottery Capital of China for its extensive 6500-year history of the craft. The area boasts abundant resources of argil, tea, bamboo, and charcoal, each of which contributes an important base material for the making of pottery. Yixing Zisha products have earned countless prizes both at home in China as well as abroad, with a few exceptional works presented as national gifts during international diplomacy.