Bill brought back a Yixing Clay Teapot
from China for me
while I brought back a Rhinovirus
Teapots crafted from clay found near the city of Yixing in the Jiangsu Province have been made since the 15th Century. Though much wished for, I only owned a set (which is genuinely from Yixing) from today after it was gifted by my good friend Bill upon his return from China.
There is a standard routine
for the use of these teapots which are more suited for fermented
teas (oolong; pu er; hong) rather than
green teas (as these clay pots retain heat well); and the
flavour of the tea brewed builds up over time in the porosity of
the clay. Thus, such teapots are often used by the
cognoscenti for only one type of tea so as not to muddle the
flavours of the teas brewed.
My Yixing
clay teapot from Bill in its presentation case
Small teapot and
two small cups
The small size of the pots
tells one that they are meant for tasting rather than quenching.
Thus, one would offer one's most valued teas at a sitting to be
sipped and enjoyed.
The potter's mark
I am told that it says "Huan Boon Pok makes" in old Chinese
calligraphy. Thank you Huan Boon Pok.
Bill, Jit Meng and I set forth for China on 09 Aug 2023 bound for Haikou on Hainan Island. Jit Meng left for Changsha and elsewhere on 11 Aug while Bill left for the mainland on the 12th. I returned from Haikou on the 13th. The next day I noticed a sore throat. I rapid tested for COVID 19 on two subsequent days with a negative result both times. After that a full blown case of cold followed. Thus, I brought back a rhinovirus.