Compared to the traditional and standardized British ceramic tea sets, Chinese tea sets are more diverse in style and have a longer history. Today, let me introduce you to Chinese tea sets.
Gaiwan
In simple terms, a gaiwan is a teapot without a spout. It is said that the gaiwan originated in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The gaiwan consists of three parts: a saucer, a bowl, and a lid. The lid represents heaven, the saucer represents earth, and the bowl represents man, symbolizing harmony between heaven, earth, and man. Gaiwans are typically made of porcelain because it can absorb heat and make them easy to handle. Gaiwans are usually small, with capacities ranging from 100-180ml.
The advantage of a gaiwan is that even without a spout, the lid can be used to hold back the tea leaves. After brewing, the lid is slightly opened, allowing the tea liquor to be poured out while the leaves remain in the bowl. Typically, after brewing in a gaiwan, the tea is transferred to another pot to balance the concentration of the liquor.
purple Clay Teapot
A Yixing purple clay teapot is made from the special purple clay found in Yixing, Jiangsu Province. Its history dates back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279). Most purple clay Teapots are purple or reddish-brown, but there are also yellow, green, blue, and red ones.
Purple clay teapots are typically used for brewing teas with stronger flavors, such as oolong tea, Black Tea, and dark tea. During the brewing process, a small amount of tea is absorbed by the teapot, which affects the taste of the tea. For this reason, a purple clay teapot should only be used for the same type of tea. High-quality purple clay teapots can be passed down through generations, and it is said that some teapots can brew tea without any leaves.
Tea Tray
A tea tray is commonly used in tea ceremonies to collect discarded tea liquor. Tea trays are typically made of wood and are beautifully crafted.
Aroma Cup
The use of an aroma cup is difficult to describe. It is taller and thinner than a tasting cup. One would place the aroma cup inside the tasting cup and pour tea into it. The hot tea creates a vacuum in the aroma cup, and then the cups are inverted, and finally, the aroma cup is removed, and guests are invited to smell the tea's aroma.
Tea Spoon
A tea spoon is typically made of white porcelain or bamboo and is used to scoop dry tea leaves.
Tea Tongs
In tea ceremonies, people do not touch the tea cups with their hands but instead use bamboo or metal tongs to ensure hygiene.
Tea Needle
If the tea leaves or stems block the teapot's spout, a tea needle is used to clear them.
Tea Brush
A tea brush is used to sweep away waste tea on the tea tray.
Tea connoisseurs place a tea pet, such as a dragon or water buffalo, on the tea tray. They are typically made of purple clay, and used tea liquor is poured over them, eventually dripping onto the tea tray.