The Most Comprehensive Guide to Tea Pets in History

Tea pets, as the name suggests, are small figurines nurtured by tea water or items played with while drinking tea.

Tea pets are commonly seen on tea tables or among tea accessories, adding elegance and fun to the tea-drinking atmosphere. They reflect the tea drinker's cultivation, taste, and character. Purple clay (zisha) tea pets may symbolize auspiciousness, convey cultural significance, offer humor and delight, express childlike innocence, or bring wealth and fortune — all depending on the owner’s preferences.

Tea pets can be roughly categorized by their shapes as follows:

Feng Shui Symbols

Pi Xiu (貔貅)
- Meaning: As a mythical creature and the ninth son of the dragon, Pi Xiu is believed to attract wealth and ward off evil. It is often regarded as a guardian of the home and a symbol of prosperity. Traditionally, a male Pi Xiu represents fortune, while a female Pi Xiu symbolizes a treasury.
- Placement: Face the Pi Xiu’s mouth towards the owner to bring in wealth.
Golden Toad (金蟾)
- Meaning: This three-legged toad, once a demon, was subdued by Liu Hai the Immortal and reformed to help the poor by spitting out coins. As a result, the golden toad became a symbol of wealth. The rotating coin in its mouth symbolizes "making money."
- Placement: If holding a coin, the face should be towards the owner; without a coin, its back should face the owner.
Dragon Turtle (龙龟)
- Meaning: Symbolizing longevity, wealth, and harmony, the dragon turtle is a beloved auspicious creature that embodies the wish for a prosperous life.
Kirin (麒麟)
- Meaning: A legendary creature with a dragon’s head, a horse’s body, and the scales of a fish, the Kirin is a benevolent and auspicious symbol representing kindness, protection, and good fortune.
Fish-Dragon Transformation (鱼化龙)
- Meaning: Rooted in ancient folklore, the fish transforming into a dragon symbolizes success and rising status, such as achieving top honors in imperial exams.
Elephant (大象)
- Meaning: Known for its ability to absorb water, which represents wealth in Feng Shui, the elephant symbolizes prosperity and peace.
- Placement: Place the elephant in the wealthiest area of the home for maximum benefit.
Goldfish (金鱼)
- Meaning: Goldfish, with their vivid colors and unique appearance, symbolize "good luck and prosperity."
Golden Pig (金猪)
- Meaning: Pigs are traditionally associated with wealth, abundance, and good fortune.
Swan (天鹅)
- Meaning: Swans symbolize peace, kindness, and eternal love. Two swans forming a heart shape represent the beauty and purity of love.
Monkey (灵猴)
- Meaning: Monkeys symbolize promotion and success. A large monkey with a smaller one signifies continuous success across generations.
Crab (螃蟹)
- Meaning: Crabs, which walk sideways, symbolize courage and resilience in overcoming obstacles.
Horse (马)
- Meaning: Representing vitality and success, horses are highly valued for their auspicious symbolism.
Ox (牛)
- Meaning: In Chinese culture, oxen symbolize diligence, endurance, and strength.
Tiger (虎)
- Meaning: Tigers symbolize power, courage, and protection, warding off evil and bringing safety.
Gourd (葫芦)
- Meaning: The gourd symbolizes "blessings and prosperity" and is believed to bring health and longevity.
Ruyi Foot (如意足)
- Meaning: A small, round, and smooth clay foot with a spider signifies "knowing contentment brings happiness."
Child Figures (童男童女)
- Meaning: Often depicted with gold ingots, they symbolize the wish for numerous descendants and family prosperity.

Symbolic Figures

Buddha (佛陀)
- Meaning: Commonly featuring Maitreya Buddha in reclining or seated positions, Buddha tea pets symbolize good fortune, longevity, and spiritual harmony.
- Placement: Place the Buddha facing guests and with its back to the owner.
Damo (达摩)
- Meaning: A revered Zen master from the Northern and Southern Dynasties, Damo tea pets reflect respect for Buddhist traditions.
Tea Sage Lu Yu (茶圣陆羽)
- Meaning: Known for writing The Classic of Tea, Lu Yu symbolizes dedication to tea culture and knowledge.
God of Wealth (财神)
- Meaning: The God of Wealth is believed to bring prosperity and fortune.
God of Office (官神)
- Meaning: Symbolizing promotion and career success, the God of Office is a favorite for those seeking advancement.
God of Longevity (寿星)
- Meaning: Representing longevity and health, often depicted with peaches and cranes.
Ji Gong (济公)
- Meaning: Ji Gong is celebrated for his compassionate, unconventional, and benevolent nature.

Biomimicry Tea Pets

Inspired by natural creatures, these tea pets resemble real-life animals, showcasing masterful craftsmanship.

Snail (蜗牛) — Symbolizing persistence and steadiness.
Longevity Peach (寿桃) — Representing health and longevity.
Nine Treasures Fruit (九珍果) — Signifying wealth and abundance.
Egg (鸡蛋) — Symbolizing new beginnings and potential.

Fun and Interactive Tea Pets

Spraying Tea Pets (喷水茶宠) — These pets can spray water after absorbing cool water and encountering hot water, creating a lively atmosphere.

Practical Tea Pets

Besides decoration and play, some tea pets also serve practical purposes:

Brush Rest (笔架)
Tea Strainer Holder (茶漏托)
Teapot Stand (壶托)
Lid Stand (盖托)
Incense Holder (香托)
Water-holding Planters (水培瓷) — A combination of a planter and a tea pet, adding greenery to the tea space.

Scene Creation

Scenery Tea Pets (情景茶宠) — These tea pets create miniature landscapes, adding charm and storytelling to the tea space.

With their rich cultural symbolism, intricate designs, and delightful functionality, tea pets have become an integral part of Chinese tea culture, enriching the tea-drinking experience and reflecting the heart and soul of the tea enthusiast.

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