In China, tea pets are small figurines that are traditionally made from zisha or Yixing clay from the region near Yixing in Jiangsu province China. They are made from leftover clay from the Yixing clay teapots, and are left unglazed, leaving a rough surface to absorb the tea. Parents buy them for their children and they often become family heirlooms. Chinese tea lovers believe that a meaningful and whimsical tea pet not only adds to the tea sessions, but also brings good luck and fortune.
When tea is poured over the entire surface of the tea pet it is a way of feeding the pet. The heat from the tea helps to bring out the flavor of the clay and as the pets absorb the teas, it slowly changes colors. A pleasant aroma will also develop of the teas you most often drink. For many, pouring tea on their pet is a small gesture that brings tremendous joy.
What Can You “Feed” Your Tea Pet?
You can feed your pet the warm water you used to warm up your tea ware prior to the tea session, the rinse from the tea leaves or any left-over steeped tea.
I don’t know about you, but I am ready to become an avid collector of these darling and whimsical clay creations that have a long history of bringing happiness and joy to people’s lives.
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