Sealing porcelain jar for storage

[Bok]

I’ve been playing with the idea to experiment with tea storage a bit.
Lao cha is very expensive, even in Taiwan itself, so why not giving it a try?

Seems also be a recent trend in Taiwan…

So I went to some local markets and found some really nice (presumably) Qing Dynasty porcelain jars. I like sort of wabi-sabi imperfect ware, of which is there are loads and the prices are surprisingly reasonable (got a whole bag full of cups and saucer as well )
(Gonna post pictures when I have the time)

Anyways, one is smaller and probably better to be used for short- to midterm improvement of tea. If I am not wrong for this kind of short storage, the original lid without any additioal sealing should suffice, no?

For long-term storage wax sealing seems to be best.

I keep seeing teajars where the lids are either wrapped in cloth or with a cloth squeezed in between. Anyone more knowledgeable got a good idea what is the exact purpose and if it is advisable? I imagine it provides a better air-tighness?

Anyone knows what kind of textile shoul dbe used/avoided?

I would ask my trusted tea shop, but no time in the near future to go down south, so any help is greatly appreciated!

[Tead Off]

I think you've got it right. I would use an unbleached, un-dyed, natural colored cloth so it does not introduce any kind of odor or chemical element into the tea. The cloth makes the jar more air tight but sealing it would do that, too. However, if you sealed the jar, then wanted to check the tea from time to time, you would have to go through the whole sealing process again.

I would also think that having a larger sized jar would serve to produce more aged tea for your trouble. I would also fill the jar so less space for air would be present. Not sure if this is necessary but just using some common sense here.

Will you go for roasted or green oolong?

[Bok]

I would also think that having a larger sized jar would serve to produce more aged tea for your trouble. I would also fill the jar so less space for air would be present. Not sure if this is necessary but just using some common sense here.

Will you go for roasted or green oolong?

Most likely for something more oxydised/roasted. Was planning to head to my teashop and let them make a suggestion.

One of the jar is larger and will probably hold a jing at least.
I think I’ll rather shop for a few more mid-sized jars and experiment with different teas and even out the tuition fee risk.

Large old ones are more difficult to find too. And I do not want to go for new ones. I’ve found when comparing drinking cups, that something in the way old porcelain was made is a lot more beneficial to the tea than modern teaware.

[Tead Off]

A jing size is plenty.

[Bok]

For your interest, I just posted images of the items I bought in this thread:
http://www.teachat.com/viewtopic.php?f= ... 7&start=15