The Chaozhou Gongfu Tea, where the term “gongfu” is crucial, not only emphasizes the technique of brewing but also the craftsmanship of teaware. For the people of Chaozhou, Drinking Tea means using the four treasures of Gongfu tea: red clay Teapots, Ruoshen cups, red clay stoves, and sand kettles, with the red clay Teapot being the jewel in the crown.

More than just a shape,

The Artistic Charm that Fits Perfectly

The Chaozhou red clay teapot, also known as the “brewing jar,” is made from red clay. The clay is soft and free of sand, making it highly malleable. Its production method involves “hand-pulling the body,” an ancient potter's wheel technique, which requires nearly 60 processes including pulling, trimming, scraping, soaking, glazing, and firing. The process is intricate and meticulous.

The shaping of the red clay teapot relies on the skillful rotation of the potter's wheel. In the process of inheriting teapot culture, the ingenuity, unique design, and exquisite craftsmanship of the potters are integrated. This results in a variety of cultural characteristics in terms of shape and decoration, breaking the limitations of geometric circles. The teapots showcase rich curvilinear changes, presenting the roundness of fruits, bamboo joints, and wheels… creating a teapot art world where “the circle is not a single form.”

Due to the special hand-pulling technique, each red clay teapot, though varied in shape, is uniformly rounded and full, meeting the requirements of “roundness,” “stability,” “uniformity,” and “correctness.” The body, spout, and handle of the teapot are harmoniously unified, exuding a beauty that is simple yet not monotonous, elegant yet not rigid, and agile yet not frivolous. They perfectly display the artistic charm of the red clay teapot.

The red clay teapot has the saying “a small pot contains a vast universe.” It is smooth and plump, with good water absorption and permeability. Small in size and thin in wall, it is hard and contains a high amount of iron oxide. It heats up quickly, withstands high temperatures, and enhances the aroma of the tea. The tea brewed in it is fresh and clear, producing a smooth throat sensation.

Harmony and Connectivity,

The Transmission of Culture

Beyond the diverse and exquisite appearance of the “circle,” there is a more abstract philosophical meaning for the Chaozhou handmade red clay teapot.

According to “Shuowen Jiezi,” “circle” refers to something complete. In China, “circle” represents the cycle from end to beginning, fullness and harmony, and is an essential spiritual archetype in Chinese culture. It is a significant manifestation of the unique aesthetic concept of appreciating the beauty of circles in Chinese culture.

In ancient China, the culture of the circle was actually the traditional circular mode of thinking. This mode of thinking originates from the affinity towards “circles” and centers around the Confucian and Taoist views of the Way and the yin-yang and five elements theory of space-time, embodying the inseparable connection between nature and its laws of movement with the subject's aesthetic appreciation.

The Chaozhou red clay teapot is closely related to the Chaozhou Gongfu tea ceremony. The love of Chaoshan people for teapots is a pursuit of the “circle” cultural concept. They immerse themselves daily not only in the sweet taste of Gongfu tea but also in the transmission of the profound cultural heritage of “harmony, respect, refinement, and joy” without even realizing it.

Chinese people value being outwardly round and inwardly square, being upright in heart and having an amicable attitude outwardly, so that people can get along well. The “refined and delicate” vessels like the red clay teapot are not only beautiful; they also create a “harmonious” atmosphere when entertaining guests. People feel harmony and unity while savoring tea, which embodies the aesthetic pursuit and philosophy of life of the “circle.” This is the way of life that the people of Chaozhou have always followed and the wisdom they apply in their interactions with others.

The unique Gongfu Tea culture has fostered the evolution and innovation of Gongfu tea utensils. As the top treasure among the four treasures of Gongfu tea, the red clay teapot is not merely a tool for brewing tea but also an artwork that integrates traditional Chinese philosophy, aesthetic concepts, and lifestyle.

The pursuit of “harmony and unity” in the shape of the red clay teapot embodies the essence of Chinese culture. It combines exquisite traditional craftsmanship, practicality, and profound cultural connotations, making every brewing session of Gongfu tea a moment for the people of Chaozhou to savor life and enjoy a feast of the spirit.

References: “A Brief Discussion on the ‘Circle Culture' of Chaozhou Handmade Teapots”