Surrounded by its people, yet I knew little of this place. A place which was home to my family and could have easily been a home to me. Thankfully, I was reconnected with my culture through one simple gift. It is said that tea pottery first began 5000 years ago. This is a Chinese purple clay teapot, which most can assume is used for brewing tea. However, unlike any other kind of teapot, Chinese purple clay teapots have the ability to develop a coating that retains the flavor and color of the tea after prolonged use. My purple clay teapot was a gift from a family friend who has a collection of teapots and hoped to begin mine. Everytime my family goes out to eat at a restaurant we drink tea, as it is an Asian custom. This object is important to me because it brings me closer to my origins and reminds me of all the late nights I have spent talking to my grandparents, pouring them tea. While we live in America, we often lose touch with where we can from. This teapot reminds me to never forget where my ancestors came from and who I am because it was crafted in China, which is where my ancestors are from. It connects me to my culture by reminding me of the values and lifestyles of my past relatives.

– Dchan

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