At the start of 2025, the hottest TV show is undoubtedly “The Knockout.” Since its premiere, its rating on Douban has skyrocketed, just like the show's title, with over 200,000 people giving it a high score of 9.1.

Although the finale has now aired, its impact remains strong. In fact, throughout the series, Tea and teaware play a significant role, with the director skillfully using Teapots to convey various messages, enriching character development and plot.

One particular detail stands out: after Shuting's death, Gao Qiqiang continues to use a clay Teapot in the shape of a pear for his tea, more specifically, a Siting teapot. As the name suggests, it signifies his thoughts of Shuting (Ting), showing the depth of his emotions!

This teapot has the highest appearance rate in the entire series!

In the world of clay teapots, there is a well-known proverb that goes, “First unknown, second Siting, third Mengchen, fourth Yigong.” “Unknown” usually refers to excellent works without a signature, while the latter three are names of master pot makers, also serving as names for specific teapot styles. Among them, “Siting” ranks highest, referring to Lu Siting, a renowned Qing dynasty pot maker, and his classic design—the Siting teapot.

Gazing into the distance with deep thoughts, he did not return from the riverside pavilion even late at night.

Mentioning the Siting teapot brings to mind Bai Juyi's poem “Evening View from the Riverside Pavilion.” Imagining Bai Juyi drinking tea and pausing to gaze into the distance; perhaps he was thinking of “Ting” at the riverside pavilion.

▲Clay Teapot made by Qing Dynasty's Lu Siting

The name Siting is extremely elegant, and the shape is pleasing to the eye, making it a beloved treasure among tea enthusiasts and literati. Many tea lovers' collections must include a Siting teapot.

Siting adheres to tradition, carrying forward ancient aesthetics. Its rounded body, delicate lines, graceful figure, and charming posture can evoke the beauty of “gracefully upright” with a gentle touch.

Six Yi Tang Siting Teapot in Red Clay

In fact, observant pot enthusiasts will notice that other classic clay teapot shapes appear in the series, such as Shipiao and Dezhong.

The Shipiao style first appears on Uncle Tai's tea table during his second appearance. This location is a common setting for Uncle Tai's later appearances, suggesting it might be his home. After Gao Qiqiang becomes wealthy and moves into his large villa, we also see a Shipiao teapot.

Shipiao Teapot Similar to Gao Qiqiang's

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

The “Dezhong Teapot,” as one of the classic plainware designs, was originally created during the Jiaqing and Daoguang years of the Qing dynasty. The shape of the “Dezhong” teapot resembles a bell, with “De” being a rhetorical term. A representative work is Shao Daheng's Dezhong teapot.

Dezhong Teapot Similar to the One in the Series

Besides clay teapots, I also noticed many tea elements in the series.

For example, when Gao Qiqiang reports to his godfather Uncle Tai, he doesn't forget to offer aged tangerine Peel as a sign of respect.

And he advises his younger brother to drink less alcohol and more aged tangerine peel tea, because it is good for the throat.

In scenes where White Tea is consumed, the actors use Jian zhan cups.

The golden toad tea pet, used during intense confrontations, becomes a key object in the series. Uncle Tai's dissatisfaction with Gao Qiqiang starts with the golden toad tea pet.

Uncle Tai uses the “Golden Toad” to mock Gao Qiqiang

Six Yi Tang Three-legged Golden Toad in Red Clay

Writing this, one cannot help but admire the director of this series. Saying he doesn't understand tea, I don't believe it. What do you think, pot enthusiasts? Have you watched this series? Let's chat in the comments section?

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