When it comes to buying and caring for a zisha teapot, opinions vary widely, with some even resorting to unconventional methods that can leave newcomers feeling utterly confused.

It doesn't have to be this way; there's no need to panic!

Learn these tips, and you'll be set.

1. If you're just using the teapot for drinking Tea and not collecting, the difference between fully handmade and semi-handmade might not matter much to you. Don't obsess over whether it's fully handmade or not; what matters most is that you like it!

2. Listening to the sound of a zisha teapot to determine its quality is nonsense; what you find on search engines isn't always accurate! Tapping a teapot can actually harm it, and different clays will produce different sounds. A new teapot will sound different before and after its first use.

3. When you start using your teapot, make sure to clean it thoroughly to remove any impurities and dust. It's too late to do this once you've already started nurturing it. Opening up the teapot is simple: rinse it with boiling water to get rid of the earthy taste. Methods like Steeping it in tea, using sugar cane, or tofu are just internet myths.

4. Avoid placing your teapot in areas with smoke, strong odors (including pleasant and unpleasant smells), or excessive dust, as these can affect the teapot's color and texture, as well as the quality of the tea.

5. If you drink tea regularly, prepare several teapots to rotate through, giving each one a chance to rest. Additionally, using one teapot for one type of tea makes sense because zisha clay absorbs flavors. This prevents flavors from mixing.

6. Drink all the tea, then thoroughly clean the teapot inside and out, dry it, leave the lid open, and let it air-dry upside down until completely dry. After each use, don't leave tea in the pot; rinse it with hot water instead, similar to how you would wash dishes after eating.

7. After each brewing session, clear out the tea leaves and rinse the teapot inside and out with hot water. Wipe it down, leave the lid open, and let it air-dry naturally in a well-ventilated area.

8. Don't drink tea solely for the purpose of nourishing your teapot; take things slow and enjoy the process. Savor the tea and the moment.

9. Drinking tea and nurturing a teapot are both elegant pursuits that require a calm mind. Don't obsessively polish the teapot while drinking tea or constantly scrub it with a brush. This is not recommended.

10. Pouring tea over the teapot has its benefits, as it can prevent discoloration between the lid and body and hide small flaws. For external care, pour tea over the teapot, allow it to absorb, then rinse with hot water and wipe clean to avoid leaving tea stains. Different water sources can affect teapot care; bottled or jug water often contains minerals that can leave marks if not cleaned regularly.

11. Having two towels on hand for teapot care is essential—one damp for cleaning and one dry for drying. Choose softer, more absorbent towels that dry quickly. Also, having a small brush for detailed work is useful.

12. Avoid touching the teapot with oily hands or exposing it to smoky environments. Store it in a dry place away from dust when not in use. Remember to keep the teapot out of reach of children.

A teapot does not depreciate with use but rather becomes more “new” and better with time. Some people mistakenly think a thick layer of tea residue indicates a well-nurtured teapot. If the teapot is of poor quality, this approach might obscure its flaws. However, doing so to a high-quality teapot would be a disservice to the craftsperson, as it would mask the teapot's true value.

Reminder: There are no real shortcuts to nurturing a teapot. No quick fixes are needed. As long as you keep it clean and dry when not in use, and polish it regularly, it will reward you over time with a beautiful, warm, and top-notch appearance. Nurturing a teapot is part of the tea-drinking process, not the goal itself. Don't lose sight of what truly matters.

Source: Zisha Teapot Encyclopedia, sharing information is valuable. If there are copyright issues, please contact us to remove the content.