A tea scoop, or chaze, is used to transfer loose tea leaves into a teapot and is traditionally made of bamboo. Using your hands to grab tea leaves can lead to hygiene and moisture issues, while using a regular spoon can be inconvenient; both can negatively impact tea quality. To solve this, tea enthusiasts invented the tea scoop—a wonderfully convenient and delightful little tea tool.
Common tea scoops are usually made of bamboo. A piece of bamboo is split in half, and the front edge is diagonally cut and shaped to easily scoop up tea leaves. This makes retrieving tea much more convenient without worrying about hygiene. In Taiwan, tightly rolled semi-balled oolong teas are the most common, and they are particularly well-suited for tea scoops, making chaze an indispensable part of Taiwan’s tea culture.
Tea scoops are not only convenient and practical, but they also serve as decorative art pieces to appreciate and enjoy. Because bamboo has exceptional carving value, bamboo carvers love to incorporate their own creative touches into tea scoops—including patterns, in-the-round carving, relief, three-dimensional carving, intaglio, and cameo. All of these techniques are applied to tea scoop making. Aside from basic styles, the market also offers many pieces featuring intricate bamboo carving. These creations are not only functional, but they also add an extra layer of enjoyment to your tea-drinking experience.