What Is The Point of A Tea Pet?

If you’ve ever paid close attention, you might have noticed that there are often small, delicate figurines adorning the corners of a tea table. These figurines—whether they be Pixiu, the Golden Toad, or a little child figure—are collectively known as tea pets.

Tea pets, literally meaning "tea person’s pet," are small ornaments nurtured by tea water or objects to be played with while sipping tea. They are mostly crafted from Yixing clay or Zisha (purple clay) and Chengni clay, though some may be made from porcelain or stone.

Tea pets are one of the treasures of traditional Chinese culture, with a long history that is closely intertwined with the practice of tea drinking. As companions to tea lovers, tea pets are more than just decorations; they embody the inheritance and continuation of tea culture.

The Origins of Tea Pets

The origins of tea pets are shrouded in mystery, much like many other stories related to tea. There are various theories about where they came from:

1. The Legacy of Lu Yu
   Some believe that the origin of tea pets can be traced back to the Tang Dynasty, during the time of Lu Yu, a renowned tea scholar. Lu Yu compiled The Classic of Tea (Cha Jing), the world’s first monograph on tea. According to legend, tea merchants, in admiration of Lu Yu, crafted small clay figurines of him and placed them among tea utensils as gifts for customers. These figurines may have been the earliest form of tea pets.

2. Influence of Chen Zhongmei’s Zisha Craftsmanship
   Others suggest that tea pets originated during the Ming Dynasty, credited to Chen Zhongmei, a master of Yixing Zisha pottery. The Record of Yixing Pottery Masters (Yangxian Mingtao Lu) mentions Chen Zhongmei, who lived during the Wanli period. He was renowned for his exquisite craftsmanship, and while he produced a wide variety of sculptures, it is possible that some of these works served as the precursors to modern tea pets.

However, since these are merely legends, they cannot be regarded as verified historical accounts. Although Chen Zhongmei produced numerous artistic works, not all small figurines from that era can be classified as tea pets.

The Symbolism and Varied Forms of Tea Pets

Tea pets come in various shapes and forms, but their meanings are almost always auspicious and positive. Tea enthusiasts choose different tea pets based on their preferences and personalities.

• The Golden Toad (Jin Chan)
  The Golden Toad symbolizes wealth and prosperity, as its name is a homophone for "money" in Chinese. Some Golden Toad tea pets hold coins in their mouths and can rotate, symbolizing the attraction of wealth ("turning money around"). Others, which do not hold coins, are placed with their mouths facing the door, symbolizing the absorption of wealth.

• The Mythical Beast Pixiu
  Pixiu, one of the nine sons of the dragon, is a fierce and powerful creature capable of warding off evil spirits. Since Pixiu has a mouth but no anus, it is believed to "take in wealth without letting it out," symbolizing wealth retention. The male Pixiu represents attracting wealth, while the female safeguards the treasury. Together, they signify the dual power of attracting and safeguarding wealth, which is why they are often displayed in pairs.

• The Elephant
  Elephants are believed to attract water, and in traditional Chinese culture, water symbolizes wealth. Due to their gentle and auspicious nature, elephants symbolize prosperity and good fortune.

Other popular tea pets include symbolic figures such as monkeys, turtles, carps leaping over the dragon gate, and smiling Buddhas, all carrying auspicious meanings.

A Symbol of Good Wishes and Cultural Continuity

In China’s long and rich tea culture, tea pets serve as more than just symbols of artistic beauty. They embody people’s wishes for peace, health, and prosperity. As a fusion of auspicious culture and artisanal craftsmanship, tea pets reflect the aspirations and pursuits of a good life.

Beyond savoring tea, appreciating these delicate and adorable tea pets adds a unique charm and pleasure to the tea-drinking experience.