As the saying goes, “The flavor of tea comes from water, and water is given character by the vessel.” It's clear how important tea ware is when Drinking Tea. Good tea, good water, and a pleasant tea-drinking environment make up the broader context for enjoying tea. If you add good tea ware to the mix, the entire tea-drinking process becomes perfect.

Ceramic tea ware is among the most commonly used in daily life, but it's important to note that “ceramic” encompasses both pottery and porcelain, which are actually two different things. What are some tips for selecting the right one? Here are a few points to consider.

Differences Between Porcelain and Pottery Tea Ware

Pottery tea ware is made from clay, while porcelain tea ware is made from porcelain clay. Both are referred to as ceramic tea ware, but what are the specific differences?

1. Different Raw Materials

Compared to pottery tea ware, porcelain tea ware has higher requirements for raw materials. Porcelain requires specific materials like kaolin, whereas pottery can be made with ordinary clay.

2. Different Firing Temperatures

The firing temperature for porcelain is generally higher than that for pottery. Porcelain tea ware is typically fired at over 1200 degrees Celsius, while pottery cannot withstand such high temperatures.

3. Different Hardness

This difference in hardness is due to the different firing temperatures. Porcelain tea ware is harder than pottery tea ware, and the sound it produces is crisper. The surface of porcelain is also more resistant to scratches from a regular steel knife.

4. Different Transparency

Porcelain tea ware is more transparent than pottery tea ware, regardless of thickness. Pottery tea ware, even if thin, is not transparent.

5. Different Glazes

The glaze on porcelain tea ware can either be fired once with the body at high temperatures or applied as a low-temperature glaze after high-temperature biscuit firing. Pottery tea ware can be glazed or unglazed, and if glazed, the glaze melts at lower firing temperatures.

These differences lead to unique characteristics of porcelain and pottery:

● Porcelain is characterized by a glossy surface, thin and dense body, fewer pores, lower water absorption, rapid heat conduction, and moderate heat retention, which enhances the color, aroma, and taste of tea when brewing.

● Pottery usually has a more rustic and robust appearance, with a stable and deep color, a slightly rough surface, thick body, many pores, slow heat conduction, and good heat retention.

How to Choose Ceramic Tea Ware

In ancient times, an important aspect of tea-drinking etiquette was the emphasis on the artistic quality of ceramic tea ware. A set of exquisite tea ware paired with top-quality tea can truly complement each other. How do you select high-quality ceramic tea ware?

1. Look for “Translucency” in Porcelain

Porcelain should be “white as jade, bright as a mirror, resonant as chime, and thin as paper.”

Examine the surface: It should be smooth and clean, and when illuminated with light, it should appear flawless and translucent.

Check the color: For blue-and-white or painted porcelain, ensure the colors are neither too bright nor too dull, not too shallow nor too deep, and have a luster.

Distinguish between overglaze and underglaze painting: Underglaze painting is beneath the glaze, making the surface smooth. The pigments do not come into direct contact with the tea, ensuring safety. Overglaze painting is applied over the glaze, giving a tactile feel; these pieces are best for display rather than food use.

2. Look for “Quality” in Pottery

Check the color: Pottery often retains its natural color, with little glazing. If glazed, choose those with less vibrant colors.

Feel the texture and quality: Pottery is usually made from clay containing iron oxide, resulting in colors such as reddish-brown, yellowish-brown, and gray. Touch the inside of the tea ware to check if it is smooth.

In addition to these considerations, look for the following details:

For both pottery and porcelain tea ware, observe if the shape is symmetrical and undistorted. Some cups may not be perfectly round. Shine a flashlight to see if the glaze is smooth and even, without bubbles, black spots, or any signs of glaze loss. Tap the tea ware gently with your fingers; a clear sound indicates it is intact, while a dull sound suggests there may be hidden cracks.

What Teas Suit Ceramic Tea Ware

Like tea itself, tea ware varies depending on origin, soil type, and production method. When choosing tea ware, whether considering color or texture, the goal is to maximize the expression of the tea's qualities.

1. Black Tea

Select purple clay tea ware with white glaze on the interior, or white porcelain, red-glazed porcelain teapots, and covered bowls. These will better showcase the tea's rich color, similar to that of carnelian.

2. White Tea

Use porcelain to Brew fresh white teas to highlight their freshness, and clay pots for aged white teas to bring out their depth.

3. Oolong Tea

Choose thin porcelain covered bowls for brewing and small cups for tasting. This helps to enhance the tea's aroma and highlights its fragrance.

4. Dark (Black) Tea

Dark tea can be brewed or boiled. Clay tea ware can eliminate impurities and emphasize its aged and mellow flavor.

5. Green Tea

Green tea is characterized by clear broth and green leaves. When brewing, opt for thin-walled, easily cooled tea ware with a dense texture, small pore size, and minimal fragrance absorption, such as glass cups or thin porcelain tea ware.

6. Yellow Tea

Choose milk-white porcelain, yellow-glazed porcelain, or five-color porcelain teapots and covered bowls with yellow and orange hues. These will enhance the vibrancy of the tea's color.

The varied shapes, numerous colors, and exquisite designs of tea ware are essential elements that add to the enjoyment of Tea drinking. After mastering these selection tips, you'll surely appreciate the visual pleasure that tea ware brings to your daily tea drinking experience.

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