In the annals of vintage Pu-erh collecting, the post-war Masterpiece era represents the pinnacle of historical reverence. Among these revered productions, none hold greater renown than the legendary Red Mark (Hongyin) and Green Mark (Lüyin) cakes produced by the historic Menghai Tea Factory.
1. The Sovereign Red Mark (Hongyin)
Pressed predominantly in the 1950s using thick, iron-red central characters on the wrapper:
- Sourced exclusively from pristine, prime arbor harvests from ancient wild and semi-cultivated groves across Bulang, Bada, and Yiwu;
- Utilizing traditional heavy-fire pan-fixation and hand stone-pressing;
- After decades of Hong Kong dry cellar storage, it yields a deep garnet liquor, rich camphor-sandalwood perfume, and profound Qi resonance.
2. The Dynamic Green Mark Era (Lüyin)
Produced throughout the late 1950s through the 1960s with green central characters, the Green Mark series marked early industrial standardization, introducing iron-pan machine molding (Tiebing) and displaying vibrant floral-honey notes that age with remarkable backbone.
Editorial Note: ZenTea Manor is dedicated to authentic Yunnan Pu-erh tea education, traditional crafting integrity, and mindful tea appreciation. For tea inquiries or cellar curation, please visit zanteamanor.com.
