When it comes to enjoying Teapots and tea, I'm not an expert, so today I won't speak in grand terms but in simple ones. I won't talk about romantic notions, only about my experiences.

First and foremost, remember that it's people who play with the teapots, not the other way around; don't get the relationship backward.

The Shi Piao is a powerful tool for brewing tea, with a strong water flow. The Xi Shi, on the other hand, wins with its delicate charm and is more suitable for handling and appreciation than pouring.

When nurturing your Teapot, a smooth-surfaced pot pairs well with a tea towel, while a decorated pot goes better with a teapot brush.

Try to use a dedicated teapot for a specific type of tea. If you like to experiment with different teas but can't afford multiple pots, have at least three on hand.

Drink all the tea, then clean the inside and outside of the teapot thoroughly. Leave the lid open and let it dry upside down.

Nurturing your teapot, the clay material is very important—it can make the process much more effective.

While purple clay teapots have good breathability, they are not ideal for storing tea overnight or for extended periods, as it will develop a stale taste. Drinking tea left for over 10 hours after brewing is also not good for your health.

Teapots up to 150cc are perfect for personal enjoyment, those between 150-300cc are great for small gatherings, and those over 400cc are suitable for larger groups. Teapots over 600cc aren't very practical but might satisfy a curiosity.

Regarding the effects of brewing and matching, there are many quantitative analyses available, but don't worry too much about them. However, it's best to avoid using a Zhu Ni teapot for green tea if possible.

Pu'er and black tea are good for nurturing teapots, and green tea works well too, though the results come slower.

Unless you're a heavy drinker, smaller teapots are generally better. Drink as you Brew, as large capacity teapots can lead to cold tea, which is bad for your stomach.

After using your Purple Clay Teapot for some time, let it rest for three to five days to completely dry out. This allows the teapot body to absorb the tea water and improves the quality of the clay.

Having two teapot towels is essential—one damp for cleaning and one dry for polishing. Make sure they are soft.

I wonder if any of our older teapot enthusiasts, especially the northern gentlemen, drink directly from the spout? If so, paraphrasing Lin Daiyu: “You should change this habit!”

Good infusion is a necessary condition for a fine teapot. From a practical standpoint, a well-nourished, affordable old teapot can be more desirable than a brand new, expensive one.

Purple clay, bottom groove clear, and clear purple clay are good choices for beginners; duan clay and jiangpo clay are worth having; Zhu Ni requires careful handling and appreciation.

The quality of the water affects teapot nurturing. Bottled household water contains many minerals, so clean the teapot frequently to prevent scale buildup.

Develop the habit of warming your teapot before drinking tea in winter to prevent thermal shock. Remember how thermos flasks used to crack? That's called thermal shock.

Not all teapots are suitable for external nurturing; for example, coarse sand teapots tend to develop uneven patina. Focus more on internal nurturing.

These are just some casual musings. I dare not delve too deeply into technical details, which might invite criticism from experts. Fortunately, my intention was never to instruct others but simply to compile my own insights. At least this way, I have no excuse to neglect my teapots and can appreciate the soothing comfort they provide.