Spirit Monkey in Meditation（灵猴悟禅 ）

TEA PET SIZE

About 2.13*3.74In

THIS TEA PET SYMBOLISM ☆☆☆☆☆

WHAT ARE TEA PETS?

As the name suggests, tea pets are like “pets” for the tea table. They are usually small figurines made from materials such as Yixing clay (zisha) or ceramics, and they come in various shapes—animals, figures, and symbols of good fortune. Tea pets are not just decorative items; they gradually develop a smooth, glossy sheen over time through interaction with tea, making them seem like “living” companions on the tea table.

THE HISTORY OF A TEA PET

Tea pets trace their origins back to the flourishing tea culture of the Tang and Song Dynasties. Although the term tea pet did not yet exist, the practice already did. The Song Dynasty poet Song Wu wrote in Sending to Sleeping Cloud Recluse: "Moss-covered altar gently swept, tea pets warmed by hand," describing how tea drinkers brushed tea over figurines or poured leftover tea onto them. Over time, these objects developed a smooth and pleasant texture, exuding a rich tea aroma. Interestingly, the earliest recorded tea pet was none other than a figurine of Lu Yu, the revered Tea Sage.

HOW TO CARE FOR A TEA PET ?

Taking care of a tea pet is similar to raising a small pet — it requires patience and love. A beautifully nurtured tea pet is the result of time and effort. Tea lovers often pour tea over their pets while enjoying tea, or use a brush dipped in tea to gently rub the surface. Over time, the tea pet absorbs the tea, developing a warm luster and a rich aroma. Here are six tips for nurturing a tea pet:

1. Choice of Tea: You’re not limited to using Pu’er tea, although it’s commonly used due to its ability to produce noticeable effects quickly.

2. Size Matters: Choose a tea pet of moderate size to ensure it can retain moisture effectively.

3. Use Tea Water Only: Never use plain water, as it won’t give the tea pet the desired smooth and warm texture.

4. Regular Maintenance: Just like Yixing teapots, tea pets require regular brushing and polishing with a tea cloth to maintain their shine.

5. Appreciation and Value: Over time, tea pets can also appreciate in value, much like a well-maintained Yixing teapot.

6. Fermentation Options: You can choose between artificial or natural “fermentation.” Artificial fermentation involves soaking the new tea pet in a tea bucket for 2-4 days to accelerate water absorption. Natural fermentation, on the other hand, occurs gradually over time.

AMAZING TEA PET GIFT