What exactly is a tea pet?
A small, porous clay figurine traditionally placed on a tea tray during gongfu cha. It receives the rinse water and develops a patina over time, making it unique.
Do I need to use hot water?
Use the first rinse of your tea, typically water just off the boil, but pour it at a gentle, trickling pace. Direct high-pressure hot water may crack thin parts.
Can I feed a tea pet any type of tea?
Yes. Sheng pu-erh builds a sharp, glossy finish; oolongs add a reddish hue; green teas leave a more matte, amber tone. Mixing teas creates a record of your drinking journey.
Will a tea pet fade or lose its scent?
If left untouched for months, the surface may dry and lose some lustre, but a series of fresh tea pours will reawaken the clay. The aroma is subtle and never overpowering.
Is a tea pet purely decorative?
Far from it. Many collectors treat their cháchǒng as an active participant in the ceremony — the act of pouring tea over it marks the rhythm of the session and adds a meditative layer.
How do I verify authenticity?
We authenticate every piece in situ with the master and provide a card with the chop mark and signature. For details, read our authenticity story at tea.toys/authenticate.
Are there zodiac tea pets?
Absolutely. You can browse by your year of birth on our zodiac section. Each animal is sculpted by hand and poured with care to honour the lunar calendar.