I’m Chai, the maker behind SHIYU. I work with natural bluestone (青石) and blue sandstone (青砂石) to create handcrafted stone carving art—especially Chinese zodiac tea pets designed for modern tea tables and calm everyday spaces.
Material notes → carving approach → finishing details → simple care tips for tea sessions.
What is a tea pet (and why I like stone)
A tea pet is a small figure placed on a tea tray during a gongfu tea session. People often pour leftover tea or rinse water over it. Over time, the surface can develop a gentle sheen—many tea lovers call it a patina.
I’m drawn to stone tea pets for practical reasons: natural stone feels calm and grounded; it doesn’t need chemical coatings; and the texture—grain, tool marks, tiny variations—makes each piece feel personal.
Modern aesthetics × traditional craft (my design direction)
When I say “modern aesthetics × traditional craft,” I mean: clean silhouettes that fit modern homes, traditional hand techniques (not mass CNC production), and letting the stone grain stay visible rather than hiding it.
I want each piece to feel natural next to a teapot, a cup, a book, or a small plant—quiet, tactile, and made to be used, not only displayed.
The carving process (from raw stone to finished tea pet)
1) Choosing the stone
I look for stone blocks with a stable structure and a grain pattern that matches the mood of the piece. Natural stone varies in tone and density, so even before carving, each block already has its own personality.
2) Rough shaping
This is the stage where the silhouette is established. The goal is to define posture and proportions without chasing details too early.
3) Refining details by hand
Once the form is stable, I refine edges, surfaces, and small features. This is where “handmade” becomes visible: tiny decisions in depth and angle create subtle differences that can’t be replicated perfectly.
4) Finishing and surface feel
Finishing is not only about making a surface shiny. It’s about controlling how the piece feels in the hand and how light sits on the stone. I aim for a clean, pleasant finish that still stays honest to the material.
Why every piece looks slightly different (even with the same design)
People sometimes ask why their piece doesn’t look 100% identical to photos. The honest answer is simple: natural stone plus hand carving always creates variation.
- Natural stone variation: grain and tone shift from block to block.
- Hand carving variation: tiny tool decisions change edges, depth, and texture.
Simple care guide: how I maintain a stone tea pet
- Rinse with clean water after a tea session and wipe with a soft cloth.
- If it gets dirty: use a soft brush; avoid harsh chemical cleaners.
- During tea sessions: you can pour leftover tea over it—many tea lovers enjoy how the surface slowly develops a gentle sheen.
- Avoid strong chemicals, abrasive pads, or long-term soaking in dirty water.
FAQ
Are SHIYU stone tea pets safe for daily use?
Yes. I use natural stone without chemical coatings or synthetic resins. It’s suitable for tea sessions and home decor.
Are these mass-produced by machines?
No. The pieces are carved by hand. Small variations in texture and detail are normal and part of handmade work.
Do you sell antique or second-hand stone art?
No. My work is newly crafted stone art—modern pieces made with traditional techniques.
See more work
If you’d like to see more pieces, materials, and updates, you can visit:
https://www.shiyucarving.com/tea-pet-series