What Is A Tea Pet In Chinese?

In the world of tea enthusiasts, tea pets are considered "mascots" that accompany and enrich the tea-drinking experience. They coexist with tea, accompanying the tea lover through moments of quiet reflection. As ornamental objects placed on the tea tray, tea pets not only bring comfort and relaxation to the tea drinker but also serve as playful companions, adding interest and charm to the ritual of tea appreciation.

Tea pets have a long and profound history in Chinese culture. They originated during the Wei and Jin Dynasties, flourished in the Tang Dynasty, and reached their peak popularity in the Song Dynasty. For centuries, they have been cherished by scholars and literati as beloved objects of appreciation. For modern tea enthusiasts, tea pets not only add an element of enjoyment to tea drinking but also elevate the overall experience by reflecting a pursuit of refined taste and a higher quality of life.

The Art of Nurturing Tea Pets

Tea pets are crafted to be nourished by tea water over time. During tea sessions, tea lovers often dip a tea brush into the tea and gently apply the liquid onto their tea pets. This practice, full of charm and delight, allows the tea pets to gradually develop a rich patina and a pleasant tea aroma over the years. The process of nurturing a tea pet transforms it into a warm and captivating companion, reflecting the patience and care of its owner. Moreover, the choice of a tea pet often reveals the owner’s personality and aspirations.

Tea Pets in Popular Culture: Symbolism in The Knockout

In the hit Chinese TV series The Knockout (狂飙), scenes of the protagonists enjoying tea frequently appear, illustrating the omnipresence of tea in daily life. Tea serves as a medium for adjusting interpersonal relationships and expressing emotions.

• Warrior Figurines: A Symbol of Ambition and Strategy
  In one memorable scene, Gao Qiqiang, while reprimanding his younger brother for drinking alcohol, makes him a cup of aged tangerine peel tea. During this moment, a glimpse of The Art of War by Sun Tzu—recommended by An Xin—can be seen on his desk. The tea pet on Gao’s tea table is a warrior figurine, symbolizing bravery and wisdom, subtly reflecting his rising ambition and strategic mindset.

• The Golden Toad: A Metaphor for Power Dynamics
  Another significant moment involving tea pets occurs with Uncle Tai's Golden Toad (Jin Chan). The Golden Toad, whose name sounds like "money" in Chinese, symbolizes wealth and prosperity.

  

  In the early episodes, Uncle Tai uses the Golden Toad to subtly mock Gao Qiqiang, implying that he was “making a lot of noise but not taking practical steps.” At this stage, Uncle Tai still holds the upper hand. Later, however, Gao Qiqiang gifts Uncle Tai a larger Golden Toad and reminds him that “the toad must be placed correctly to attract wealth,” symbolizing the shift in power dynamics and Gao Qiqiang’s growing influence.

  Different forms of the Golden Toad carry distinct meanings. A toad with coins on its back symbolizes wealth pouring into the home, while one with a coin in its mouth that can be rotated signifies “turning money” or “making a profit.” A toad with an empty mouth symbolizes the ability to “absorb wealth.” Wherever the Golden Toad is placed, wealth is believed to follow.

Other Popular and Fascinating Tea Pets

• Pixiu: The Wealth Guardian
  Pixiu, a mythical creature with a mouth but no anus, is known for its ability to “take in wealth without letting it out,” symbolizing the retention of wealth. It feeds on gold and silver, making it a favorite among tea lovers seeking fortune and protection. The male Pixiu represents attracting wealth, while the female guards the treasury. As a pair, they symbolize wealth accumulation and protection, making them ideal for safeguarding homes.

• The Pig: A Symbol of Prosperity and Contentment
  Pigs have long been symbols of abundance and good fortune. Tea pets shaped like pigs are often crafted in two styles—either with protruding features such as snouts and feet or with intricate carvings expressing various emotions. These adorable figurines bring joy and charm to the tea tray.

• The Elephant: An Emblem of Wealth and Wisdom
  In Chinese culture, water symbolizes wealth, and since elephants are believed to excel at absorbing water, they represent the ability to attract wealth. With their gentle and steady nature, elephants symbolize good fortune, strength, and serenity. For tea lovers, elephants signify the ability to absorb prosperity from all directions while cultivating a calm and composed demeanor.

• The Turtle: A Symbol of Longevity and Reunion
  Turtles are known for their longevity, making them symbols of immortality and a long life. Additionally, the Chinese word for "turtle" (gui) is a homophone for "return" (gui), symbolizing reunion and family harmony.

• The Laughing Buddha: A Bringer of Joy and Fortune
  “A home with the Laughing Buddha is a home filled with joy.” The Laughing Buddha represents happiness, prosperity, and longevity. It is important to position the Laughing Buddha facing guests rather than the host, as this placement is believed to bring good fortune and positive energy to visitors.

Craftsmanship and Cultural Heritage

As recorded in Tiangong Kaiwu (The Exploitation of the Works of Nature):
"For small objects, they may be crafted from clay, stone, or wood, and though the craftsmanship may be intricate, there is beauty even in simplicity."

This ancient account highlights that the art of creating tea pets shares similarities with the techniques of wood carving, stone carving, and clay sculpture. Tea pets are not merely objects of aesthetic beauty but also embodiments of traditional Chinese craftsmanship and cultural heritage.

For us today, Chinese tea culture and the art of tea are invaluable treasures passed down through generations. Tea pets, as part of this legacy, continue to enrich and enhance our tea-drinking experiences, reflecting our appreciation of life’s finer moments.