Tea Pet
A tea pet is a small unglazed clay figure kept on a tea tray and bathed with leftover tea during gongfu sessions, gradually taking on a patina.
Definition
Tea pets (茶宠, cha chong) are ornaments, usually 3-10 cm tall, made from the same Yixing zisha clay as teapots. They sit on the cha pan during a session, and the brewer pours rinse water and the last of each infusion over them. Over months the unglazed clay absorbs tea and develops a smooth, darker, polished surface. Subjects tend to be symbols of good fortune. The pixiu, a winged lion-like creature believed to attract wealth, is one of the most common, along with the three-legged money toad, laughing Buddha figures, dragons, pigs, and the zodiac animals. Some brewers keep a single pet for years; others keep a row. A few tea pets have a practical trick. Hollow figures with a small hole, most famously the "peeing boy", fill partly with water when dunked in cold water; hot water poured over them heats the air inside and pushes a jet out. The jet signals that the water is still hot enough to brew. Tea pets have no effect on tea flavor; their purpose is decorative, ritual and social.
In Depth
Developing patina: pour tea over the pet regularly and occasionally brush it with a soft brush; polishing with a damp cloth speeds the sheen. Using one tea type, such as shou pu'er, gives a more even color than mixed teas.
Testing a peeing pet: soak it in cold water until it fills partly, then pour water from the kettle over its head. A strong jet means the water is near boiling; a weak dribble means it has cooled.
Do not use detergents, and rinse off sugar-sweetened drinks; residue grows mold. Painted or glazed figures will not develop a patina. If the color rubs off on a wet cloth, the pet is likely dyed clay and is best kept away from food and drink surfaces.
See Also
- Gongfu Teaware
- Chinese Tea Culture
- Yixing Clay