TEAPET #4 – 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, relaxing the atmosphere and adding 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 at high temperatures. The gray surface is covered with shiny black spots, and the figurine has a discreet hole on top, allowing it to be decorated with a flower and used as a vase. We are not sure exactly what kind of animal it is. It might be a bird or a bat, but it undoubtedly looks like a great sage. It stands 5 cm tall, 2.5 cm wide, and 2.5 cm long.