Tea culture has a rich history, spanning thousands of years, particularly in East Asia, where tea drinking is both a ritual and an art. One fascinating and lesser-known aspect of this culture is the tea pet . These small clay figures have been companions to tea drinkers for centuries, embodying beauty, tradition, and even a touch of superstition. If you’ve ever wondered about these unique little figures that adorn tea tables around the world, here is an in-depth look into the charming world of tea pets. What is a Tea Pet? A tea pet is a small, unglazed clay figure that tea enthusiasts keep on their tea trays, primarily used in traditional Chinese tea ceremonies. Tea pets are made from Yixing clay, also known as “purple clay,” sourced from the Yixing region in China. This specific type of clay is perfect for tea pets because it absorbs tea over time, resulting in a beautifully polished finish that develops as tea is poured over it. Tea pets come in various shapes, with many...