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Collectibles
The items classified under the category collectibles in Antiques Streets are relatively "new" which do not have long aging history of the items. Eventhough some of the collectibles items have antique look appearances, these are being artificially made to look like antiques by the makers or potters. The makers or potters borrowed or copied the designs of the genuine antique items and reproduced antiques look-alike collectibles items. They are basically much more cheaper than the antiques items in Antiques Streets.
Clay Vs Ceramic
There are two common types of media found in the Chinese collectibles items in Antiques Streets. The Clay and Ceramic. The clay collectibles are, generally, monotonous and dull in colour as compared to ceramic wares. The ceramic wares are more colourful, shinning and have lively looks. You may ask which is better? The preferences entirely depend on the taste or liking of individuals. It also depends on the usage of the items, if they are not meant for collections in your shelf. Take for example, if you are looking for a teapot set to brew Chinese tea. Most people will recommend you to look for a clay ware teapot rather than ceramic teapot as the former is more suitable for brewing Chinese tea. If you are looking for colourful and lively collectibles for your home decoration, then the ceramic wares may be a better choice.
Tea Drinking
Tea drinking is a traditional culture of the Chinese and the teapot is the vessel specifically made for brewing tea.
Most Chinese are very particular when it comes to tea wares for tea brewing. The teapots and cups play an important role in tea brewing. Without the teapots and cups, one would not be able to enjoy the process of tea brewing and drinking. The basic tea brewing accessories are teapot, cups, vessel, kettle, dried tea leaf and tray. Additional of tea scoper, smelling cups, cup saucers and cups holder would make up a complete accessories for tea brewing. The teapots and tea cups come in various designs, forms and sizes depending on the usage and liking of individuals. There are various types of tea found in the market: Red (black) tea, Oolong tea, Pu Er tea, Green tea, etc
If you are interested in trying drinking Chinese tea, here is a simplified way for making Chinese tea:
i. Rinsed the teapot, cups, vessel, saucers with hot water,
ii. Put some tea leaves into the teapot, filled up 1/5 of the teapot capacity,
iii. Pour some hot water (preferrably 80 - 90 degree celsius) into the teapot, leave it for about 20 seconds,
iv. Pour away the first round of the tea (water),
v. Pour the hot water into the teapot again, leave it for about 5 seconds,
vi. Pour the Chinese tea into the tea cups. Do not soak the tea leaves into the hot water. Any excessive tea should be poured into an empty tea storage vessel for later consumption,
vii. Repeat steps (v) to (vi) for about 5 to 6 rounds or until you feel that the tea leaves should be replaced with the new one.
Note: Any new teapot (or teapot set) which is to be used for the first time should be washed and boiled with water for about 15 minutes. Subsequent used of the teapot (or teapot set) should be rinsed with hot water before putting in the tea leaves. There are many types of tea leaves that available in the market, each with a distinct taste and smell depending on the likes and dislikes on individuals.
There are various Chinese clay and ceramic teapot sets available in Antiques Streets. The teapot sets came with various different shapes and designs. One teapot set normally consists of one teapot with lid, six cups with or without handle denpending on the design, six saucers and a nice casing for the teapot set. You may keep the Chinese clay teapot set for your collections or decorations purpose, or as a gift to friends and family. You may use it for tea drinking purpose if you are a tea drinker.
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Antiquesstreets.com
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