Smiling Buddha Tea Pet

Smiling Buddha Tea Pet The adorable handmade Smiling Buddha Purple Clay Tea Pet with beaming smile and open arm brings joy to your tea ceremony.   Tea pets are an integral part of traditional Chinese tea tables.  The tea pet is placed on the tea table and during the tea tasting ceremony, tea is poured over the tea pet so the pet can also enjoy the tea with you.  The tea can also be gently petted onto the tea pet using a tea brush.  Chinese folklore believes that tea pets begin life without a soul but each time they are served tea they are given a soul.  Made from the traditional purple clay, the tea is absorbed and over time will gradually change the appearance of the tea pet.