The main subject of Chinese Tea culture is people, and tea exists as an object to serve humans—it is there for our enjoyment. Chinese tea culture is often referred to as a philosophy of beauty. It encompasses the Buddhist aesthetic of circular and ethereal beauty, the Taoist sense of profound and expansive beauty, as well as the Confucian elegance and subtlety. So, what tools should one prepare for brewing Gongfu tea?
1. Tea Placement Tools
① Tea Scoop: A tool used to transfer tea from the tea canister into the teapot.
② Tea Spoon: Used to transfer tea leaves from the scoop into the teapot.
③ Tea Funnel: Placed over the teapot mouth to guide the tea in and prevent leaves from spilling outside.
④ Tea Presentation Dish: A multi-functional tool that not only serves the functions of the above three but also allows you to observe the shape of the tea, judge the quantity, and smell its dry aroma.
⑤ Tea Pestle: Used to break long tea leaves in the presentation dish to make them easier to put into the pot.
⑥ Tea Caddy: Small canisters for portioning out tea leaves.
2. Tea Management Tools
① Tea Tongs: Used to remove tea residue from the pot or cup; when washing cups, it helps prevent burns.
② Tea Spoon: Used to place tea and remove tea residue.
③ Tea Needle: Used to clear the strainer inside the teapot.
④ Tea Paddle (Tea Comb): A tool for skimming off foam; the pointed end is used to clear the teapot spout.
⑤ Tea Knife: For handling and pouring tea leaves.
3. Tea Distribution Tools
① Tea Sea (Tea Jug, Mother Cup, Fairness Cup): After brewing, the tea liquor can be poured into the tea sea, which then evenly distributes the tea among the number of guests. When serving fewer guests, this prevents the tea from becoming bitter due to over-steeping. A filter placed on top of the tea sea can catch any tea leaves that might flow out during pouring.
4. Tea Tasting Tools
① Tea Cup (Tasting Cup): Used for tasting the tea liquor.
② Fragrance Cup: Used to retain the aroma of the tea for smelling and distinguishing.
③ Cup Saucer: A small tray that holds the tea cup, preventing burns and enhancing aesthetics.
5. Cleaning Tools
① Tea Tray: A tray used to hold tea cups and other tea utensils.
② Tea Boat (Tea Basin, Tea Washer, Pot Stand): A vessel to hold the teapot, also used to catch overflow and rinsing water, essential for nurturing the teapot.
③ Tea Waste Container: Used to hold spent tea leaves.
④ Water Basin (Tea Basin, Water Basin): Used to hold discarded tea water.
⑤ Washing Tray: Used to hold cups and dishes after use before they are washed.
⑥ Tea Cloth: Primarily used to dry the teapot and to wipe away any remaining water droplets from the table.
⑦ Utensil Holder: A container for holding the tea scoop, tea spoon, tea tongs, etc.
6. Other Tools
① Water Heating Device: There are many types, including charcoal stoves (Chaozhou stove) + Yushu kettle, alcohol stoves + glass kettles, electric kettles, induction cookers, etc. The key considerations are harmonious matching with the Tea set and no off-flavors in the heated water.
② Pot Mat: A textile item used to separate the teapot and the tea boat, avoiding the sound of clashing that could disrupt the atmosphere.
③ Lid Rest: A small dish for placing teapot lids and water pot lids (often replaced by a tea saucer).
④ Serving Tray: A tray for serving tea.
⑤ Tea Duster: Used to sweep away residual tea dust after placing tea.
⑥ Thermometer: Used to learn how to judge water temperature.
⑦ Tea Cloth Plate: Used to hold the tea cloth, duster, thermometer, etc.
⑧ Incense Burner: Burning incense while drinking tea can enhance the tea experience.