Hoobar Mini Rabbit Tea Pet - Handmade Ge Kiln Ceramic

Here's something important to know: these rabbits are about 4 inches tall, which is roughly double what the product listing dimensions suggest. Multiple reviewers mention being surprised by the larger-than-expected size. Most people consider this a positive — they describe them as substantial and well-proportioned. However, if you have a smaller tea tray, a pair of 4-inch rabbits can crowd your setup and compete for space with your teapot and cups. Measure your tray first if space is tight.

That depends on your tray, but be aware these are bigger than you might expect. At roughly 4 inches tall each, and sold as a pair, they take up meaningful real estate. At least one reviewer mentions they can crowd other items on the tray. If you have a standard medium or large gongfu tray, you'll be fine — especially if you use just one rabbit instead of both. But on a compact travel tray or a small bamboo tray, they may dominate the space. You could always keep one on the tray and use the other as a desk ornament.

They make an excellent gift, and reviewers confirm they're well-received. The cute rabbit design has broad appeal — you don't have to be a tea enthusiast to appreciate them. They come as a pair, they're well-packaged, and they work as desk ornaments, shelf decorations, or seasonal spring and Easter decor even if the recipient doesn't have a tea tray. For tea lovers, the bubble-blowing feature is a charming bonus. The handmade Ge kiln ceramic construction also gives them a quality feel that elevates them above generic figurines.

Ge kiln (also called Ge ware) is one of the five great kilns of China's Song Dynasty — it's a historically significant ceramic tradition. The hallmark of Ge kiln ceramics is the distinctive crackle pattern in the glaze, which is considered a feature, not a flaw. These Hoobar rabbits are handmade in this style, which gives them a traditional aesthetic that tea enthusiasts and ceramic collectors appreciate. It's a step above mass-produced figurines in terms of craftsmanship and cultural authenticity, and reviewers note the quality construction.

Absolutely — and many buyers do exactly that. While they're designed for gongfu tea trays, reviewers use them as desk ornaments, china cabinet display pieces, and seasonal spring or Easter decorations. The cute rabbit design and quality Ge kiln ceramic construction make them look good in any setting. They have a solid weight and good stability, so they won't tip over on a shelf or desk. You lose the bubble-blowing interactive element without hot tea, but as purely decorative pieces, they hold their own.

These Hoobar rabbits are bubble-blowing tea pets, not spitting tea pets — that's an important distinction. Spitting tea pets work by submerging them in cold water, then pouring hot tea over them; the temperature change forces water out of a hole, creating a 'spitting' effect. These rabbits use a different mechanism where hot tea causes air to expand and blow bubbles instead. If you specifically want a water-spitting tea pet, this isn't the right choice — at least one reviewer noted that. But the bubble-blowing feature is its own kind of fun and arguably more consistent.

For beginners, you want something approachable, fun, and not too fussy — which is exactly why these Hoobar rabbits work well as a first tea pet. The cute appearance makes them non-intimidating, and the bubble-blowing feature makes your tea ritual immediately more engaging without requiring any special technique. Just place them on your tea tray and pour tea over them. The main thing to consider is size: these rabbits are about 4 inches tall (larger than the listing suggests), so make sure your tea tray has enough room. If you have a smaller tray, a single smaller tea pet might be a better starting point.

Getting these Hoobar rabbits to blow bubbles is straightforward: pour hot tea directly over them during your gongfu session. The key is using genuinely hot tea — freshly brewed, not lukewarm. The heat causes air trapped inside the hollow ceramic body to expand and escape through a small opening, creating bubbles. Some tips: make sure the rabbit is at room temperature before pouring (a bigger temperature difference helps), pour slowly and steadily, and give it a moment. Not every pour produces dramatic bubbles, but with hot enough tea, you'll see them regularly.

Traditional tea pets are made from unglazed clay — Yixing zisha clay being the gold standard — because it absorbs tea and develops character over time. These Hoobar rabbits are made from handmade Ge kiln ceramic, which is a respected traditional Chinese ceramic style known for its distinctive crackle glaze. Reviewers note the quality construction and good weight, so you're getting a well-made piece. The ceramic material means it won't absorb tea the same way unglazed clay does, but it's more durable and still looks beautiful on a tea tray.

Tea pets traditionally go on a gongfu tea tray — that's the slotted tray with a drainage basin underneath that catches discarded water and tea. These Hoobar rabbits are designed specifically for that purpose, and reviewers confirm they're stable and won't tip over easily thanks to their good weight. That said, several buyers use them beyond the tea tray: on desks as ornaments, in china cabinets as display pieces, and even as seasonal spring or Easter decorations. They're versatile enough to look charming wherever you put them.

Dark teas like pu-erh, black tea, and oolong work best for tea pets because their deeper color and richer oils help develop a patina over time. With these Hoobar rabbit tea pets, you'll want to pour leftover tea over them regularly during your gongfu sessions. The Ge kiln ceramic absorbs the tea gradually, which can give the surface a beautiful aged look. Lighter teas like green or white tea will still work for the bubble-blowing feature, but they won't build up that coveted patina as quickly.

Rabbit tea pets are among the most popular choices, and this Hoobar Mini Rabbit pair is a great example of why. Rabbits symbolize luck and gentleness in Chinese culture, making them a favorite for tea trays. What sets this particular set apart is the handmade Ge kiln ceramic construction and an interactive bubble-blowing feature that adds a playful element to your tea sessions. Pigs, toads, and pixiu (mythical creatures) are also popular, but rabbits tend to be the most approachable — especially for people just getting into gongfu tea.

Generally, you don't wash tea pets with soap — that would strip away the tea oils and patina you've been building up. A simple rinse with clean water is fine if they get dusty or you want to freshen them up. For these Hoobar Ge kiln ceramic rabbits, you can rinse them gently and let them air dry. Since they have a bubble-blowing mechanism, you'll want to make sure the small air hole doesn't get clogged. A quick rinse after each session keeps things clean without undoing your tea-seasoning progress.

Using these Hoobar rabbit tea pets is dead simple. Place them on your tea tray, and during your gongfu tea session, pour hot tea over them — that's it. The hot liquid will cause them to blow adorable little bubbles, which multiple reviewers describe as a delightful surprise. There's no setup, no maintenance ritual, no technique to learn. Just share your tea with them each time you brew. Over time, they'll develop character from the tea exposure. It's one of the easiest and most fun additions you can make to a tea practice.

No special water needed — you just use your regular brewed tea. During a gongfu session, you'd pour rinse water, leftover tea, or extra brews directly over these Hoobar rabbits. The hot tea is what activates the bubble-blowing feature, so room temperature water won't produce the same effect. Some tea pet enthusiasts prefer using the same type of tea consistently to build a uniform patina, but that's entirely optional and more of an advanced practice.