In the competitive and cramped urban living spaces, interpersonal relationships are becoming increasingly distant, leading more people to seek trust and security by channeling their emotions into pets. When it comes to keeping pets, what comes to mind? Cats, dogs, fish, birds, turtles, or pigeons? Beyond these lively and adorable companions, there exists a unique kind of pet—the tea pet. These are not living, jumping animals but rather affectionate nicknames given by tea enthusiasts to small handicrafts made from materials like Zisha clay, placed on tea trays.
"Water is the mother of tea, the vessel is the father of tea."
Tea pets are tea摆设 of various sizes displayed on tea boats during tea tasting, often made from Zisha or Chengni clay, commonly known as "little trinkets." As the name suggests, they are pets nurtured by tea water, typically crafted from Zisha or Chengni clay. Over time, with regular anointing of tea broth or drizzling of leftover tea, they become warm, pleasant, and fragrant.
Symbolic Tea Pets
Examples include Pixiu, Dragon Turtle (one of the nine sons of the dragon), Golden Toad, Auspicious Lion, Salamander, God of Longevity, Kylin, Galloping Horse, small animals, figures, etc., each with different meanings. They serve purposes such as resolving the Five Yellow and Three Killings, protecting homes and warding off evil, enhancing relationships and avoiding小人, attracting贵人,偏财, longevity, wealth and treasure,吉祥如意, and various other auspicious meanings.
Zen Tea Pets
Tea Zen integrates Zen practice into the tea ceremony, forming the concept of "tea and Zen as one," which has evolved into a uniquely Chinese "tea ceremony" cultural lifestyle. Among Zen tea pet designs, figures of Buddha, Bodhidharma, and little monks are most common, depicted in reclining, sitting, or standing postures. In the fusion of tea and Zen, one savors the infinite unity of object and self.
Water-Spraying Tea Pets
Tea pets with water-spraying功能 usually utilize a hollow structure. When通常 soaked in water, water slowly flows into the pet's "belly." Upon contact with hot tea, the air inside the "belly" expands and contracts due to heat, causing water to spray from the opening. Spraying trick: First scald with boiling water, then immerse in clean cold water, then pour boiling water over it (Careful, here it comes!).
Fun Tea Pets
Lifelike shapes, often showcasing natural趣味, usually quite cute,有趣童真, adding some unique delight to the tea-drinking life. Examples include lotus leaf frog,仿真 fruits and dried fruits, shepherd boy and water buffalo.
Zodiac Tea Pets
Recently, the twelve zodiac tea pets have become quite popular. People buy a few tea pets of their own生肖, or give one as a birthday gift, which is both uniquely fun and elegant.
Color-Changing Tea Pets
Color-changing tea pets are usually temperature-sensitive变色茶宠, made primarily from resin. When淋上 hot tea, these pets immediately become colorful, reverting to their original color upon cooling. (Always Smiling)
Tea Pet Clay Material
The quality of the clay determines the茶宠's intrinsic value and appreciation potential. I believe different clays also determine much of the cultural background. Zisha clay is also divided into many types. Zisha clay is distributed in the Dingshu area of Yixing. Even in Yixing, Zisha clay can only be found in the ceramic ore within the Dingshu area. Yixing Zisha clay is the general term for绿泥 (Ben Shan Lüni),红泥 (Zhusha泥), and紫泥.
The joy of nurturing tea pets lies in personal involvement. Perhaps you have kept pets before but had to part with them for various reasons. However, a tea lover's pet can be never abandoned. Even when traveling far, one can bring their tea pet without worrying about being unable to care for it. Throughout a lifetime, you can meticulously care for and cherish it, watching it 'open its eyes,' watching它 transform from青涩 to moist, watching it age along with your years.