Which TV series was the hottest at the beginning of 2025?

“The Knockout” emerged, unrivaled!

Since its premiere, it has topped the national ratings for several consecutive days!

Its rating on Douban soared to 9.0!

The art of teaware in “The Knockout”

The Four Treasures of Chaozhou

Early in “The Knockout,” we see Gao Qiang drinking tea at a teahouse named Fulu Teahouse, using the “Four Treasures of Chaozhou.”

The “Four Treasures of Chaozhou” are: Chaozhou stove, Yushu kiln, Mengchen pot, and Ruochen cup. “To do something well, one must first have the right tools.” The Chaozhou stove, Yushu kiln, Mengchen pot, and Ruochen cup are indispensable parts of the “Four Treasures of Chaozhou” and significant carriers of Chaozhou Tea culture.

In “Chaozhou Tea Classic,” Weng Huadong mentions: “What makes Gongfu tea unique is not the nature of the tea itself but the excellent quality of its utensils and the leisurely way of brewing.”

Jian ware

In addition, Gao Qiang drinks White Tea using Jian ware from Fujian, showing the production team's attention to detail in tea-drinking and tea-brewing, and indirectly demonstrating the characters' love for tea tasting.

Siting teapot

In the opening scene of Episode 2 of “The Knockout,” there is a very lifelike camera movement that leaves a deep impression. As the camera leads us into the scene, we can see Gao Qiang eating and drinking tea in a teahouse filled with a lively atmosphere, using a Siting teapot, which is the most frequently seen teapot model in the drama.

Gao Qiang's wife is named Chen Shuting. The Siting teapot symbolizes longing for Shuting. This teapot hides Gao Qiang's deep affection for Chen Shuting. Its appearance not only fits the overall tone perfectly but also enriches the storyline, showcasing the production team's meticulousness and dedication.

In southern Fujian, there is a saying: “First, the anonymous; second, Siting; third, Yigong; fourth, Mengchen.” The Siting teapot design was created by Lu Siting in the Qing dynasty. The body of the teapot resembles a gourd, with a curved spout extending upward from the belly. The handle is elegant, and the high, hollow lid fits snugly with the mouth, forming a complete piece, embodying the beauty of curves.

Six One Hall Siting Teapot (Red Clay)

Shipiao teapot

The Shipiao style first appeared on Tai Uncle's tea table during his second appearance in the show.

Among teapots, the Shipiao is the most versatile. In the world of purple clay teapots, the Shipiao is a classic and enduring style. Elegant and imbued with scholarly charm, the Shipiao teapot is suitable as a business gift or for elders and superiors.

The Shipiao teapot is perfect for brewing black teas like Lapsang Souchong and Jin Junmei. Its small mouth and tall body ensure good heat retention, allowing the inner qualities of the tea leaves to be fully expressed.

Shipiao teapot similar to Gao Qiang's

Dezhong teapot

Another eye-catching teapot on Tai Uncle's table is the Dezhong.

The “Dezhong teapot,” as a classic shape among simple utensils, was first created during the Jiaqing and Daoguang periods of the Qing dynasty. The shape of the “Dezhong” is like a bell, and “De” is a rhetorical term. A representative work is Shao Daheng's Dezhong teapot.

Dezhong teapot similar to the one in the drama

Simple yet elegant, the Dezhong exudes the demeanor of a gentleman. Chinese culture emphasizes cultivating virtue and benefiting all. This is what teachers impart, making the Dezhong teapot often given as a gift to mentors.

PART.02

The art of tea tasting in “The Knockout”

Citrus Peel

In “The Knockout,” citrus peel appears frequently, and each time it does, it is related to one of the main characters, Gao Qiang. In the show, when he reports to his godfather, Tai Uncle, he offers him high-quality aged citrus peel as a sign of respect. When he advises his younger brother, Gao Qisheng, to drink less alcohol, he serves him a cup of aged citrus peel tea, explaining that it is good for the throat.

White tea

During a dispute between Gao Qiang and Tai Uncle, “Sister-in-law” Chen Shuting brews a cup of white tea to ease the tension and calm them down.

The robust and mature old white tea, due to years of storage, undergoes changes in its internal components, resulting in a richer and more fragrant flavor. It is no longer cool in nature and is highly resistant to Steeping. After steeping, boiling it to drink can make the white tea fully exert its effects of cooling the body and treating colds.

PART.03

The art of tea pets in “The Knockout”

In the drama, a tea pet golden toad spans seven episodes,