Fujian Tea culture Origins
The tea culture in Fujian can be traced back thousands of years, with the region being one of China's key tea production areas. Whether it's Wuyi rock tea, Anxi Tieguanyin, or Fuding white tea, these teas enjoy a prestigious reputation both nationally and globally. The tea brewing methods and the tea ware used by the Fujianese have developed into unique styles over time.
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Main Tea Ware Used by the Fujianese for Brewing Tea
Teapot
A teapot is indispensable when the Fujianese brew tea. There are various types of Teapots, including those made from ceramic, purple clay, and glass, but the most common ones are purple clay and ceramic teapots. Purple clay teapots are favored for their good breathability and heat retention, while ceramic teapots attract many tea enthusiasts due to their diverse shapes and glaze colors.
Covered Bowl
A covered bowl is another commonly used tea ware by the Fujianese. A covered bowl consists of three parts: the bowl, lid, and tray, and is very convenient to use, especially suitable for brewing Tieguanyin and other oolong teas. The covered bowl fully displays the unfolding state of the tea leaves in water, making the tea aroma richer.
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Tea Sea (Fairness Cup)
The tea sea, also known as the fairness cup, is a utensil used for distributing tea evenly. During the tea brewing process, the Fujianese pour the brewed tea into the tea sea and then distribute it into each person's cup, ensuring that everyone gets tea of consistent strength, embodying the concept of “fairness.”
Teacup
The teacups used by the Fujianese are typically small and made of porcelain or clay. Small teacups help in savoring the aroma and taste of the tea slowly, avoiding drinking too much tea at once and missing out on its subtleties.
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Tea Tray
A tea tray is a tool used to place tea ware. Tea trays used by the Fujianese are often made of wood or bamboo, both aesthetically pleasing and practical. The design of tea trays is usually simple and elegant, effectively collecting any excess tea water during the brewing process.
Tea Strainer
A tea strainer is used to filter out tea residue and is typically placed at the spout of the teapot or tea sea. The tea strainer ensures that the poured tea is clear and free of impurities, allowing one to better appreciate the pure flavor of the tea.
Details in the Tea Brewing Process of the Fujianese
The tea brewing process of the Fujianese is meticulous, with each step having its own unique considerations. First, warming the cups and teapot helps to stimulate the aroma of the tea. Then, the amount of tea used depends on the size of the tea ware and the type of tea. Next, rinsing the tea quickly removes surface impurities. Finally, in the actual brewing, controlling the water temperature and brewing time is crucial. Generally, oolong tea requires boiling water, while green tea is best brewed with water between 80-90 degrees Celsius.
Cultural Connotations of Fujian Tea Ware
Fujian tea ware is not only distinctively practical but also rich in cultural connotations. Purple clay teapots, known as the “King of Teapots,” have complex manufacturing processes involving dozens of steps. Ceramic tea ware reflects Fujian's rich ceramic culture, with each type of porcelain—from Dehua white porcelain to Jian kiln black porcelain—having its unique charm. Covered bowls symbolize the philosophical concept of “harmony in diversity,” with the three-piece design being both independent and interrelated, reflecting harmony between people and nature, and among people themselves.
Conclusion
The tea ware used by the Fujianese in brewing tea is more than just simple drinking tools; they are an integral part of tea culture. Through these exquisite tea wares, we can feel the Fujianese love for life and their inheritance of traditional culture. Whether it's a purple clay teapot, a ceramic covered bowl, or a delicate teacup, each piece carries rich historical and cultural significance. Hopefully, this article has given you a deeper understanding of Fujian's tea culture and tea ware. We look forward to you experiencing the beauty of Fujian's tea ceremony firsthand.