TEAPET #1 – MARYSIA GRAFF

Description

The Chinese say that tea should not be drunk alone. But if we share a few drops with such a figurine, we are no longer drinking alone! This is where the tradition of teapets comes from—tea companions that you pour a little tea over. They are table decorations and conversation pieces, they relax the atmosphere and add charm to the tea brewing process. With certain teas, like fermented puerh tea, the first infusion is often poured out. The teapet ensures we don’t spill it messily on the chapan, but symbolically share it with our thirsty little animal friend. Many people also like to “offer” them the last few drops of each brewing. Over time, some teapets slightly change color or even develop crackles, a network of beautiful fine cracks in the surface glaze.

This figurine is made by Kraków artist Marysia Graff. It is hand-crafted and fired in raku, a traditional Japanese low-temperature firing method. Raku gives ceramics an extraordinary character, creating unexpected, colorful effects. As a result, the teapet is full of details, with shades beautifully blending into each other, and you can see traces of fire on it. This tea animal resembles a cat or perhaps a cat spirit, maybe even a bit of an owl. At first glance, it doesn’t look like clay, more like a small pebble. Utterly charming! It stands nearly 5 cm tall, 5 cm long, and 4 cm wide.