The ancients said, “Tea thrives on water, and water depends on utensils.” It is not difficult to see the importance of tea sets when drinking tea. Good tea, good water, and a good tea-drinking environment constitute the overall environment for tea tasting. If there are also good tea sets, then the whole process of tea tasting will be perfect. Among the commonly used materials for tea sets in life, ceramics are quite popular. However, pottery and porcelain are actually two different things. So, what are the selection tips when choosing? Here are some points summarized for your reference.
I. What are the differences between porcelain and pottery? Pottery tea sets refer to those made of pottery clay, while porcelain tea sets are made of porcelain clay. Both are called ceramic tea sets. So, what are the specific differences between them? 1. Different raw materials used Relatively speaking, porcelain tea sets have higher requirements for raw materials than pottery tea sets. Porcelain tea sets require specific materials such as kaolin, while pottery tea sets can use ordinary clay as the blank. 2. Different firing temperatures The firing temperature of porcelain is generally higher than that of pottery. The firing temperature of most porcelain tea sets has to reach above 1,200 degrees Celsius, but the firing temperature of pottery tea sets cannot be so high. 3. Different hardness levels This is also due to the different firing temperatures, resulting in differences in hardness. The hardness of porcelain tea sets is greater than that of pottery tea sets, and the sound of porcelain tea sets is clearer. It is difficult to scratch marks on the surface of the porcelain body with an ordinary steel knife. 4. Different transparency levels Whether the blank of porcelain tea sets is thick or thin, it is more transparent than that of pottery tea sets. Even if pottery tea sets are thin, they are not transparent. 5. Different glazes The glaze of porcelain tea sets can be fired together with the body at high temperature at one time, or a low-temperature glaze can be applied on the high-temperature biscuit-fired body and then fired at low temperature for the second time. There are two types of pottery tea sets: glazed and unglazed. The glaze of glazed pottery can be melted at a relatively low firing temperature. It is precisely because of these differences that porcelain and pottery have their unique characteristics: The characteristics of porcelain are a smooth and shiny surface, a thin and dense body, few pores, low water absorption, fast heat transfer, moderate heat preservation, and can obtain good color, aroma, and taste when making tea. Pottery generally has a simple and rugged shape, grand and stable, darker colors, a slightly rough surface, a thick body, many pores, slow heat transfer, and good heat preservation. II. How to choose ceramic tea sets An important manifestation of the ancients’ emphasis on the art of tea drinking is their great attention to the art of ceramic tea sets themselves. A set of delicate tea sets, combined with famous teas with excellent color, aroma, and taste, can complement each other. So, how to choose a set of high-quality ceramic tea sets? 1. For porcelain, look for “translucency” Porcelain emphasizes “white as jade, bright as a mirror, sounding like a chime, and thin as paper”. Look at the surface: It should be warm, clean, and can be judged as good porcelain if it is translucent and flawless when illuminated by light. Look at the color: For blue and white or painted porcelain, pay attention to whether the color is neither too bright nor too dull, neither too light nor too dark, and has luster. Distinguish between overglaze color and underglaze color: Underglaze color means the pattern is under the glaze surface. The surface feels smooth, and the pigment does not come into direct contact with the tea soup, so it is highly safe. Overglaze color is painted on the glaze surface and feels uneven. It is generally used for ornamental purposes and is not suitable for holding food.When examining pottery, pay attention to the ‘texture’ and ‘color’. Pottery generally retains its original color and is less glazed. For glazed pottery, avoid choosing colors that are too bright. In terms of texture and feel: pottery is usually made from clay containing iron oxide and is fired, with colors often being brown-red, brown-yellow, gray, etc. Touch the tea set to see if the inner wall is smooth.
In addition to this, you should also pay attention to these details: whether it is pottery or porcelain tea sets, observe if the shape is regular and without deformation. Some cups may not be perfectly round; use a flashlight to observe if the glaze is smooth and even, check for air bubbles, black spots, or even glaze peeling; gently tap the tea set with your finger, if the sound is clear and crisp, it is intact, if the sound is dull, there may be hidden cracks. What kind of tea is suitable for ceramic tea sets? Tea sets, like tea, have different characteristics depending on the place of origin, soil quality, and craftsmanship. When choosing tea sets, whether it’s the color or texture, they should be combined with the characteristics of the tea to maximize the expression of the tea’s quality. 1. For black tea, you can choose purple sand tea sets with white glaze on the inner wall, white porcelain, and red-glazed porcelain pots, Gaiwan, etc., which can better highlight the tea color like agate. 2. For white tea, fresh tea brewed with porcelain can highlight its freshness, while aged tea brewed with a pottery pot can be more flavorful. 3. Oolong tea should be brewed with thin-walled porcelain Gaiwan, and sipped with small cups. This sets off the tea color, gathers the tea aroma, and better highlights its high and refreshing fragrance. 4. Dark tea can be brewed or boiled, and using pottery tea sets can eliminate miscellaneous flavors, highlighting its mature charm. 5. Green tea, characterized by clear soup and green leaves, should be brewed with thin-walled, heat-dissipating, dense texture, low porosity, and non-aromatic absorbing tea sets, such as glass cups, thin-walled porcelain tea sets, etc. 6. Yellow tea can be chosen with milky white porcelain, yellow-glazed porcelain, and multicolored porcelain pots and Gaiwan with yellow and orange as the main colors, which can make the tea color more vibrant. Tea sets come in various shapes, colors, and exquisite designs, and are indispensable for the enjoyment of tea. Once you master these tea set selection skills, you will surely experience the visual pleasure they bring to your daily tea tasting.
