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### **Pixiu tea pet: a lucky animal on the tea table, a spiritual creature that brings wealth and fortune**
#### ——In-depth interpretation from image to culture

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#### **1. The origin and symbol of Pixiu**
Pixiu, also known as "pixie" and "tianlu", is one of the five auspicious beasts in ancient Chinese mythology (along with dragon, phoenix, turtle and unicorn). It is said to be the ninth son of the dragon, with a body like a tiger or leopard, a head and tail like a dragon, and often with wings. It feeds on gold and silver, swallows everything without excreting, so it is given the meaning of "attracting wealth and treasure, and warding off evil spirits". Since the Han Dynasty, Pixiu has been regarded as the patron saint of emperors' treasures, and its characteristic of "only taking in but not giving out" has become a concrete symbol of folk wealth belief.

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#### **2. The shape characteristics of Pixiu tea pet**
1. **Traditional image: Majesty and agility**
- **Head**: Wide mouth, sharp teeth, eyes wide open, symbolizing deterrence of evil spirits and insight into the source of wealth. Some figures hold ingots or coins in their mouths, reinforcing the image of "accepting wealth".
- **Body**: Strong as a tiger or leopard, with curly mane on the back and a tail that rises like a dragon's tail, showing a sense of strength. Some designs add wings, implying "wealth falls from the sky."
- **Posture**: Most of them are in prone position, with four feet firmly on the ground, or resting with gold ingots as pillows, conveying the meaning of "guarding wealth".

2. **Artistic interpretation: diversity of materials and crafts**
- **Purple Clay Pixiu**: Hand-shaped with Yixing purple clay, the surface is nourished by tea and then covered with a warm patina. Details such as scales and mane are lifelike, making it both practical and collectible.
- **Gilded and gilded**: Ceramic or copper Pixiu are often decorated with gilded and silvered techniques, which are luxurious and gorgeous, such as the "black pupils with golden patterns" described on page 3, highlighting the noble aura.
- **Boxwood Carving**: The wood is delicate and the carving is fine, showing a simple and elegant beauty. Boxwood grows slowly and the material is rare, making the tea pet more unique.

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#### **3. Cultural symbols on the tea table**
1. **Feng Shui meaning: Dual protection of wealth and auspiciousness**
- **Attract wealth**: The Pixiu has no anus, which symbolizes "wealth does not flow out". Tea lovers often place it in the wealth position of the tea tray, facing the water source (tea), which means "living water attracts wealth".
- **Home Guarding**: The fierce and majestic image can ward off evil spirits and protect the peace of the home. It is especially suitable for business tea rooms or family tea tables.

2. **Spiritual sustenance: the integration of tea ceremony and humanities**
- The process of raising a Pixiu tea pet is also a ritual for tea lovers to cultivate their minds. Pour tea soup over it every day, witnessing its color gradually become moist and the tea fragrance permeates, which is a metaphor for the life philosophy of "slow accumulation and gradual development".
- The "playability" and "interactivity" of tea pets enhance the fun of the tea ceremony. For example, some Pixiu with hollow designs can spit bubbles or spray water when exposed to hot water, becoming a topic of conversation among tea lovers.

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#### **Four. Material selection and maintenance**
1. **Preferred materials: balance between function and aesthetics**
- **Purple clay**: Good air permeability, easy to absorb tea soup, and will show amber patina after long-term maintenance. It is suitable for tea lovers who pursue the fun of "raising pets".
- **Ceramic**: The glaze is smooth and resistant to high temperatures, suitable for displaying gorgeous crafts such as gilding and enamel, and takes into account both decorativeness and durability.
- **Resin and boxwood**: Lightweight and drop-resistant, suitable for making cute or modern style Pixiu to attract young people.

2. **Maintenance tips: nourish the soul with tea and nourish the body with heart**
- **Tea nourishment**: Dark tea soups such as Pu'er and rock tea are preferred, and should be poured evenly on the surface to avoid uneven color caused by white water.
- **Regular cleaning**: Use a soft brush to remove tea stains, wipe with cotton cloth to maintain gloss, avoid exposure to sunlight or chemical cleaning agents.

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#### **V. Cultural Extension: From Mythology to Modern Life**
The image of Pixiu has gone through thousands of years, from the "Emperor's Treasure" in "Records of the Grand Historian" to the small items on today's tea tables, and its cultural connotations have been continuously enriched. Modern designers combine traditional auspicious animals with trendy elements, such as Q-version Pixiu and car pendants, so that ancient symbols can be integrated into daily life. The addition of services such as opening ceremonies and customized engravings has given tea pets personalized emotional value, making them a great gift.

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### **Conclusion**
The Pixiu tea pet is not only a decoration on the tea table, but also a microcosm of the wealth concept and life aesthetics in Chinese culture. Its majestic shape carries the vision of seeking good fortune and avoiding disaster, and its gentle quality reflects the pursuit of tea lovers to calm down and cultivate their nature. A Pixiu, a cup of tea, a period of time, in the fragrance of tea, tradition and modernity quietly resonate.