Green tea, yellow tea, white tea are brewed in tall, slender glass cups using the 'top pour' or 'middle pour' method, allowing direct drinking.

Oolong tea (such as Tieguanyin, rock tea, Taiwanese oolong, and Dancong) is brewed in a purple clay teapot, with the Zhu Ni Xishi pot being a recommended choice due to its large round belly, which allows the tea leaves to fully expand. The ideal capacity is 160-200ml, serving four cups. A glass or porcelain fairness cup is used to hold the tea, while white-glazed porcelain cups are preferred for tasting, offering a clean appearance and clear view of the tea's color.

Zhu Ni clay has fine particles, a smooth surface, and vibrant colors, making it ideal for preserving the aroma and enhancing the color of oolong tea.

Using purple clay teapots requires dedication to one type of tea per pot, which can be challenging given the variety of oolong teas. This is where the gaiwan (lidded bowl) shines, as it prevents flavor mixing.

Gaiwan brewing Tieguanyin

Gaiwan brewing Dancong

Black tea is brewed in a tall, narrow-mouthed purple clay pot to retain its aroma. As black tea is fully fermented and consumed fresh (not aged), purple clay's flavor-absorbing properties are less critical. Heat-resistant glass cups are also commonly used.

For drinking, glass cups are often chosen to appreciate the tea's rich, wine-like color along with its mellow flavor.

Ripe Pu-erh tea is brewed in a large-bellied purple clay pot (around 200ml), such as the Zi Ni Shi Piao, to allow the leaves to expand. The Zi Ni clay's loose pores and deep color complement Pu-erh's robust character. Additionally, Zi Ni clay can absorb some of the aged flavors often found in Pu-erh.

For tasting cups, purple clay cups offer a heavy feel, glass cups are light, and high-quality porcelain cups are thin and smooth, enhancing the tea's natural flavor. Porcelain and glass cups are best for preserving the tea's true taste.

Choosing the right teaware for different teas, depending on the setting and environment, adds an enjoyable dimension to the tea-drinking experience.

Tao Mu居士: A lifelong practitioner of Zen tea, collector of antiques and teaware, and a renowned contemporary inheritor of traditional handmade teapot craftsmanship.