Peking Opera Chinese Tea Set: Blast from the Past

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This special tea set is from Dehua, China, and it is only 73 US Dollars.

 

The Dehua region in the Fujian province of China was one of the main ceramic producers and distributors in the ancient times. Going back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), over a hundred furnaces have been discovered. This is where porcelain objects and other materials were processed to achieve their most luminous form translated only as ivory white or milk white. When it has reached new destinations, this famous Chinese porcelain was coined with a new term by the West as Blanc de Chine or Chinese White. Giving justice to its chic nickname, the place still prides itself with its old reputation by producing almost the same type of tea wares now more aptly called antique tea sets.

[caption id="2" align="aligncenter" width="280" caption="The famous Dehua Peking Opera Masks Chinese tea set"][/caption]

Limited Quantity in Stock

What is it in the Dehuan porcelain that when refined turns into a classical example of beauty? The low level of iron oxide (red-orange pigment that turns white when burned) found in it needs it to be fired in a temperature that transforms it into a pale form of white. This is a characteristic which makes it different from the equally famous Jingdezhen porcelain.

 

It has found its way to become a trademark of Dehuan tea ware industry. The typical antique tea set contains one pot, six cups and a gaiwan.

 

The teapot and tea cups’ size are somewhat similar with other tea sets on Chinese cultures. The teapot’s height of 8 centimeters and a lip diameter of 13 centimeters can hold enough water (30-400 millimeters) for pouring and refilling. The cup’s lip has a wider diameter of 8.6 centimeters than its base and standing at a height of 4.2 centimeters. The mathematical disproportion is a scientific marvel to tea industry since the design commands function and comfort all in one.

[caption id="2" align="aligncenter" width="230" caption="Dehua Peking Opera Masks Chinese tea set: a promised eye-catcher"][/caption]

Limited Quantity in Stock

The gaiwan’s addition to the classical tea set is a historical mark. Prior to its discovery, tea was normally sipped from the container from which it was brewed from. Since its introduction, the gaiwan became a staple in tea sets. A gaiwan is made up of a saucer, a bowl and a lid. For the tea to be brewed in the bowl and be able to witness it, the function of the lid comes in place. This piece, as well the other pieces in the set are the preferred materials when infusing green tea and white tea, known to have delicate aromas and flavors. The article’s properties make it ideal for preserving the distinctness of those two teas.

 

Over the glossy surfaces of the tea sets sprawls a design of a Peking

(Beijing) Opera Mask. This is the biggest highlight of the set. The significance of the design lies on the three colors of red, black and white used in forming the mask. Red signifies courage, loyalty and devotion. The black color indicates boldness and selflessness. The white one suggests cleverness and wickedness. These three colors all represent famous Chinese personalities portrayed in plays in the course of history.

 

The vintage design and the architecture of the package are two signs of the Chinese’s rich cultural tradition and history and their ingenuity and skills. Specifically, the antique tea sets made of Dehuan porcelain are a constant reminder of the nation’s glorious past, now shared with the rest of the world.

 

 

See what one of our clients say about this beautiful Dehua Peking Opera Mask Tea Set

 

“I am very impressed with this product, the Peking Opera Mask tea set from Think Beijing. It is made of Blanc de Chine porcelain (Dehua) and is from Fujian province in mainland China. This is from an area where the Peking Opera is well known.

“I have not stopped using this set since I received it five days ago.  It is very well crafted and looks every bit as good as the product photos imply. It is an absolute bargain and has proven itself to be ideal for brewing a wide variety of Chinese green tea, as stated in the product description. This set has already replaced all of my  gaiwans that were being used to brew green tea.

“The lid fit and pour of this gaiwan is much better than average, based on my experience with several others from both Taiwan and China. I always had a strong dislike of gaiwans due to the mess they (or I) make, but the functionality of this set is superb.

“With the Peking Opera mask theme, this set is also very entertaining to use.

“This is one of the best tea ware purchases I have ever made. As an added bonus, I was not aware that this set included a very sturdy, high-quality gift box. I rate this set 5 stars for functionality and 5 stars for value.

Dave B., Weymouth, MA