About us

China Tea Spirit was founded by three friends who share a deep love for tea and tea wares. We are united by our passion for curating the finest Chinese tea wares for enthusiasts around the world. We travel between different parts in China – Yixing, Shanghai, Jingdezhen, Dehua, and Huangshan, to explore, discover and connect with talented and trusted artists and studios.

Our catalog

We focus on contemporary pieces that celebrate traditional craftsmanship while fitting seamlessly into modern life. Our catalog includes Yixing teapots, Gaiwan, tea pets, and tea accessories for both solo and professional tea ceremonies.

Yixing teapot

When sourcing Yixing teapots, we adhere to 3 strict standards: authentic Yixing clay, fine handmade craftsmanship (whether half or fully handmade, no machine-made), and the artist’s unique aesthetic interpretation of the teapot shape. These principles guide our selection process.

Here are some of the studios we collaborate with:

• Zhang Yicheng Studio: Established in the 1990s, this Yixing teapot studio has a rich history of craftsmanship and expertise. Founded by Zhang Yicheng, a respected collector and expert, Zhang Yicheng, known as one of the “Ten Kings of Pots” between local tea lovers, brings decades of expertise and passion to the studio. He is a consultant at Beijing Guobo Antique Authenticate Center and has an extensive personal collection of historical Yixing teapots. The studio has employed over 120 skilled artisans, many of whom are now recognized masters in their own right. Artists such as Wang Yufei, Ma Junjie, Chen Minze, Zhu Zhouyi, and Feng Yanqi continue the legacy of excellence, crafting teapots with meticulous attention to detail. The studio has a significant collection of Yixing clay from the past and historical teapots, ensuring each piece is crafted from the authentic materials and with reference to some of the original teapot.

• Yu Jianming Studio: When we first encountered Yu’s work, we were struck by his unique style with Yixing clay. Unlike traditional designs, Yu’s creations stand out with a contemporary flair that still honors the rich heritage of Yixing pottery. Yu’s belief is to “design and create Yixing teaware that embodies the spirit of our generation, combining practicality with artistic beauty.” His pieces reflect this ideology, making them not just tools for tea, but also pieces of art to appreciate.

• Xu Xiaoen & Liu Jingying Studio: Established in 2021, this studio is a collaboration between Xu Xiaoen and Liu Jingying, along with artisans Liu Junfeng, Guan Wenda, Jin Yu, and Xia Ning. Xu Xiaoen, a National Assistant Arts and Crafts Artist, was mentored by his aunt Xu Yufang, and later received guidance from masters Xu Hantang and Xu Xiutang. He believes that the key to making excellent teapots lies in meticulous craftsmanship, and his works are characterized by their strength and flexibility. Liu Jingying, trained under Xu Yufang and influenced by master Xu Xiutang, focuses on traditional light plain wares, known for their elegance and simplicity. The studio also maintains strong connections with local Yixing artists and studios, occasionally presenting their collaborative works.

Gaiwan

For our Gaiwan selection, we partner with studios in both Jingdezhen and Dehua. Dehua tea wares offer practicality and affordability, while Jingdezhen pieces are prized for their artistic quality and collectible value.

Here are some of the studios we collaborate with:

• Ben Lai Studio: This Jingdezhen-based studio is dedicated to replicating the essence of ancient traditional Qinghua blue and white porcelain. They insist on using traditional methods for every step of production, from shaping and painting to glazing and firing. This meticulous process ensures their tea wares capture the authentic feel of historical Qinghua porcelain. However, this dedication to tradition comes at a cost: the success rate of producing these intricate pieces is low, resulting in limited quantities. Luckily, our collaboration with them ensures that you can still access these exceptional pieces through made to order.

• He Wu Studio: Known for refined hand-painting and elegant shapes, He Wu Studio, founded by Li Dan, creates beautiful tea wares that resonate with contemporary aesthetics and Eastern cultural beauty. The studio’s philosophy is to blend traditional craftsmanship with modern life, creating pieces that are simplistic yet luxurious.

• Wu Yixun Studio: Specializing in combining modern design with traditional techniques like Qinghua, Wucai, and Doucai, this Jingdezhen studio captivates tea lovers with their Jade Rabbit series. Each piece reflects a harmonious blend of old and new, making them perfect for collectors and everyday use.

• Xiao Lin Studio: The acquaintance of Xiao Lin Studio was a beautiful coincidence during our trip to Jingdezhen. At first sight of their work, we were absolutely blown away by the unique vintage style, combining Qinghua painting and the texture of the vintage clay they use. Xiao Lin is a talented artist, and her work has gained popularity in domestic China. We are happy to partner with Xiao Lin to bring her exquisite creations to international customers.

Tea Pet

Our collection of tea pets includes a variety of designs from studios in both Yixing and Jingdezhen. We offer traditional styles like the money toad as well as modern interpretations like the running corgi.

Some of the studios we work with:

• Zhao Yonghui Studio: Specializing in Yixing tea pets, Zhao Yonghui is a talented artist known for his detailed and high-end Yixing clay tea pets and sculptures. His work ranges from fierce King Kongs and serious Zhong Kui figures to adorable lying cats, pushing the boundaries of tea pet craftsmanship.

• Yu Jianming Studio: In addition to his renowned Yixing teapots, Yu Jianming creates iconic tea pets inspired by modern elements. His designs feature charming figures like corgis, French bulldogs, baby sharks, and even pieces shaped like cheese, blending contemporary whimsy with traditional clay craftsmanship.

• Cheng Long Studio: Based in Jingdezhen, Cheng Long is a sculpture artist who creates larger tea pets using local Jingdezhen clay. His works draw inspiration from ancient Chinese legendary figures such as the money toad, pixiu, qilin, and Chinese dragon, offering a distinct contrast to traditional Yixing clay tea pets.

Tea

While our tea wares take center stage, we have not forgotten our roots. We work directly with local tea farmers in Huangshan to bring you high-quality loose leaf teas. From the iconic Huangshan Maofeng to the smooth Keemun black teas, our selection reflects the authentic taste of the region. We may not always choose the most premium grade with the highest price, but our standard is simple: “Do the local people keep buying and drinking it?” Let those who know them best vote for it.