Collection: Tea Pets

If you have ever taken part in a traditional Chinese tea ceremony, you may have observed a small clay or ceramic figurine resting on the tea tray. This is known as a tea pet. Tea pets are not mere decorations; they serve as companions to tea enthusiasts.

Tea pets can be crafted from various materials, but they are often made from Yixing clay, much like Yixing clay teapots. Typically left unglazed, tea pets have a rough surface that readily absorbs tea. When brewing tea, it is common to pour some tea over the tea pet, almost as if you are feeding it. This interactive aspect transforms the tea pet into more than just an ornament; it becomes something to nurture and care for. As the tea pet absorbs tea over time, the clay develops a lustrous appearance. You might wonder if this is a waste of tea, but in traditional tea ceremonies, the first rinse of tea is often used to pour over tea pets or any remaining tea that cannot be consumed.

Tea pets are often crafted in the likeness of animals and creatures, such as the three-legged money frog and the twelve Chinese zodiac animals. However, they can also take the form of other auspicious symbols.