Taotie Tea Set

• For first-time use, handwash the tea set with gentle soap.
• After each use, rinse the tea set with hot, clear water.
• Allow the tea set to dry completely before storing it.

Taotie (饕餮) is an ancient Chinese mythological creature commonly depicted on bronze and other artifacts during the first millennium BC. Its design typically features a frontal and symmetrical animal-like mask with raised eyes and no lower jaw.

Ancient Legend has it that Taotie is a ferocious and gluttonous monster with a human body, a sheep's face, eyes under the armpits, tiger teeth, and human hands. It devours anything in its path, including humans, and ultimately meets its demise due to excessive consumption.

During the Shang Dynasty (1600-1050 BCE), Taotie was frequently depicted on drinking vessels and food cauldrons due to its insatiable appetite. Another belief in early human society was that animals possessed magical powers over humans. The sense of helplessness, fear, and awe towards nature led people to seek the protection of divine powers. They envisioned themselves as fierce creatures, blending animal and human elements in various forms and decorations. The intricate and fierce patterns on bronze artifacts were believed to ward off evil and prevent disasters, instilling a sense of security.

During the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BCE), with the establishment of the Ritual and Music System to maintain social order, the enigmatic motif of Taotie began to be used on ceremonial vessels as a symbol of communication between humans and the heavens. It also served as a warning against greed, considering its eventual fate.

Today, let's just appreciate this exquisite tea set with its fascinating stories behind it.