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Tea Pets - The What, Why and How
Michele LillieWelcome, tea lover, to a post about tea and companionship. Sitting down and drinking a delicious cup of tea is a wonderful experience.
It can be enhanced by sharing it with a friend or family member. What about sharing it with a pet? Not a typical pet, but a Tea Pet.
In this post, we will look at what a Tea Pet is, how to share tea with them, and why you might want one.
What are tea pets?
Tea pets are small figurines that were originally made of clay. They might be in the shape of an animal, a mythical creature or a folklore figure. The history of these is not entirely documented, but they are believed to have originated in Yixing, China, during the Yuan dynasty (13th century). The clay tea pets emerged alongside Yixing teaware. The traditional teapots made in that area were crafted from a special purple clay called Zisha. If left unglazed, this clay is porous and will absorb the color and aroma of the tea brewed in them.
The original tea pets were made of this same clay, and many still are today.
In the 14th century, blue-and-white porcelain became popular. A cobalt blue was applied to a white porcelain in intricate patterns. Although these became sought after by collectors due to their beauty, they cannot be “fed” in the same way as they are not porous. Wealthy individuals also acquired wooden and stone tea pets to display as a symbol of their status.
Tea pets remain popular today, although the designs have become more varied and modern. The clay tea pets are the most popular, but you can also find ceramic, porcelain, and wooden figurines, with these latter ones having a more decorative purpose.
Why have a tea pet?
What is the purpose of a tea pet? In essence, a tea pet is a companion that joins you during your tea time. They help to make your tea ritual a special time. Rather than being in a hurry to make your tea, a tea pet helps you to slow down and be more mindful of the process. Because you have a responsibility to feed the pet, a sense of connection and companionship is formed as you share tea together.
There is also a more spiritual aspect. The Chinese believe that some things have a soul while others do not. Tea is prized as it is felt to have a soul. Whereas the tea pet and the clay from which it is made do not have a soul, they can acquire one. By repeatedly nourishing the clay tea pet with tea, the Chinese feel they are helping it to gain a soul.
Others believe that the tea pets are symbolic, with different meanings assigned to each form of tea pet. Here are just a few.
Laughing Buddha
This adorable tea pet speaks of joy, contentment, and spiritual peace.
Dragon
This tea pet is said to represent power, strength, protection and good fortune.
Elephant
These animals are gentle, peaceful, strong, and intelligent.
Cat
This more modern tea pet represents companionship, gentleness, and vitality.
Pig
Pigs represent abundance, good fortune, comfort, home, and generosity.
Turtle
Turtles symbolize longevity, endurance, and respect for elders. A turtle standing on the back of another one represents blessings for generations to come.
Other tea pets include tigers, monkeys, dogs, birds, rabbits, carp, and even a zodiac sign.
How to use a tea pet?
They are typically used during Gong Fu Cha, a Chinese method of brewing tea. (See this post to learn about Gong Fu Cha.) Gong Fu Cha involves several pieces of tea brewing equipment that are placed on a tray that can hold a bit of water. The first step is to pour hot water into the pieces of equipment to warm them before brewing. This water is then discarded into the tray. If there is a tea pet present, that water is poured over the pet as an act of “feeding” it. This process continues throughout the brewing process, with any excess water or discarded tea being poured over the tea pet once again. As this is done repetitively over many, many brewing sessions, the porous clay absorbs the color and aroma of the tea. Many advise brewing only one type of tea for each tea pet to allow the true essence of the tea to be absorbed by the pet.
After using your little companion, it can be wiped off with a soft cloth or brush and plain water. Do not use soap. Store it in a cool, dry place until your next teatime.
Taking the time to properly brew and drink good-quality tea is always a time of enjoyment. If you haven’t ever slowed down and made your tea time a bit more mindful, consider resolving to do just this. When you do that, why not consider adding a wonderful companion in the form of a tea pet? Stop in at English Tealeaves to see our extensive collection just waiting to make a home with you!