Yixing Zisha Tea Pet. Water Bullalo - Family Member and Friend of Children

In Asian culture, water buffalo are often the most valuable possession of farmers and are treated as a member of the family.  It is said: “The husband plows, the wife sows, water buffalo draws the rake and are friends of the children." This lovely Water Buffalo Tea Pet is handmade of Purple Yixing Zisha Clay that is porous and will age over the years as you feed your pet tea rinse water. Tea Pets are often used in Chinese tea ceremony to receive the hot water after it has been used to wash the pot and cups.  The water is poured over the tea pet and then again after the first brewing when the tea is washed.  Most often the tea pets are made of clay and will absorb the tea over time.  Regular feeding of the pet (with the tea water) ages the pet gracefully and gives it a rich color and aroma as it gradually absorbs the tea.  Do not wash your pet with soap, but just use the tea brush to clean it after using or just let it age naturally. Water Buffalo Tea Pet Purple Yixing Zisha