Meet our Cincinnati Hippo Tea Pet, a playful companion crafted from Zisha purple sand clay (Mo Lü Ni 墨綠泥)—a clay prized in Gong Fu tea culture for its mineral richness and beautiful depth of color.
Inspired by Cincinnati’s beloved hippo icon and the quiet rituals of Chinese tea practice, this tea pet brings a smile to your tea table while honoring tradition. During a Fong Fu Tea session, simply pour leftover tea over your tea pet and watch it develop character and patina over time—much like a well-loved teapot.
Made from Mo Lü Ni (墨綠泥), a darker, iron-rich variety of Zisha clay, this tea pet has an earthy tone with subtle green undertones that deepen beautifully with use. It’s a small ritual of joy: pour tea, slow down, repeat.
Whether you’re a seasoned tea drinker or just starting your journey, this hippo is a celebration of the richness of tea culture and our love for Cincinnati.
The Hippo Tea Pet does not change color when water is poured on it.
Dimension:
Length: 2.2 inches. Height: 1.4 inches
Care:
Rinse with water only. No soap. Pour tea over it regularly and let it air dry to build character over time.
What is a Tea Pet?
A tea pet is a small clay figurine used in Gong Fu tea practice and traditional Chinese tea ceremonies, placed on the tea tray during tea service. Historically, tea pets were crafted from the leftover clay used by master artisans to handcraft Yixing teapots and other Chinese teaware, giving them the same porous quality as the teapots themselves.
As tea is poured over the tea pet during each session, it gradually absorbs the tea, developing a smoother texture, deeper tone, and a unique patina over time. This quiet process reflects the essence of tea ritual—slowing down, paying attention, and cultivating mindfulness through repeated practice.
A tea pet is more than a decorative object; it is a companion to your tea practice and a reflection of your personal tea journey. Perfect for any tea lover, tea set, or Gong Fu tea tray.
