This hands-clasped suanni tea pet is made from clay and fired at high temperature, giving it a solid and weighty texture while retaining the natural grain of the clay. Its form is inspired by the mythical guardian beast suanni, but expressed with exaggerated and playful artistry: bulging eyes, a wide toothy grin, and a cheeky tongue, turning the traditional solemn image of suanni into something humorous and endearing.
The most ingenious detail lies in its hands clasped together, designed to hold an incense stick. This allows the piece to serve both as a tea pet and as an incense holder. When incense is lit, the drifting smoke paired with the whimsical expression of the suanni adds elegance and liveliness to the tea table.
In Chinese tradition, the suanni symbolizes protection and warding off evil, carrying wishes for peace and good fortune. This clay, high-fired hands-clasped suanni tea pet embodies both rustic craftsmanship and cultural meaning. It is not only a companion for the tea table but also a distinctive piece of artistry that blends playfulness with symbolic depth.
