Japanese Tea Pet – Scorpion - 20th century

The Japanese Tea Pet shaped as a scorpion is a charming and culturally-rich accessory related to the traditional tea ceremony. Tea pets are small figurines, historically made from Yixing clay or other ceramics, that tea practitioners keep on their tea trays. During tea preparation, warm water is often poured over the tea pet as a ritual gesture believed to bring good fortune or simply to add a playful element. The scorpion shape embodies protective symbolism and adds character to the ceremony setup. These 20th century tea pets serve as collectible items cherished for their unique forms, craftsmanship, and intimate connection to Japan’s tea traditions.