Teaware Guide

Introduction to Tea Strainers

A tea strainer, also known as a tea funnel, is designed to be placed over the fairness pitcher (cha hai) to prevent spills and waste when pouring tea. Much like a regular funnel, it makes pouring tea both easier and more precise. Nowadays, most tea strainers are combined with a fine mesh to filter out

Introduction to Tea Trays

The main function of a tea tray is to catch spilled tea water while keeping the area clean and preventing the tea-making process from creating a mess. They are primarily made from bamboo, wood, stone, and ceramic. A good tea tray not only makes brewing tea more enjoyable but also offers great aesthetic and collectible

Introduction to Teapots

A teapot is a vessel used for brewing tea. It is mainly composed of a lid, a body, a base, and a handle or bail handle. Common materials include pottery, Yixing purple clay, porcelain, and glass. Its primary function is to hold tea leaves and hot water, allowing the flavor of the tea to infuse

Introduction to Tea Needles

A tea needle is pin-shaped and used to clear the spout of a teapot, picking out blocked tea leaves and stems to ensure a smooth pour. There is also another type of tea needle specifically designed for breaking apart compressed tea cakes, such as Pu-erh tea cakes. These are usually made of metal and are

Introduction to Tea Pitchers (Cha Hai)

“What is a tea pitcher?” This is a common question. The purpose of a tea pitcher—also known as a fairness cup or cha hai—is to hold freshly brewed tea, preventing the tea leaves in the teapot from steeping for too long and becoming bitter while guests finish their current cups. Simply put, it is a

Introduction to Tea Caddies

A tea caddy can be described as a mini warehouse for tea leaves. Its main purpose is storing tea, and it is typically crafted from pottery or porcelain. Once opened, tea leaves can be kept in the refrigerator or re-vacuum sealed. However, if you only have a small amount left or plan to brew it

Introduction to Tea Pitchers (Chazhong)

“What is a tea pitcher (chazhong)?” and “How is it pronounced?” are common questions about this piece of teaware. In fact, a chazhong is also known as a tea pitcher, fairness cup, or equality cup. Its main function is to hold brewed tea, preventing the leaves from steeping too long and turning bitter. Anyone who

Teacups

A teacup is a vessel used for serving and drinking tea. Tea brewed in a teapot or fairness pitcher (cha hai) is poured into teacups for people to taste and enjoy. Teacups come in a wide variety of styles and designs, featuring options with or without lids, and with or without handles. The most common

Introduction to Tea Tongs

Tea tongs, also known as tea chopsticks, are small tea accessories used when warming and washing cups. Since the water used for warming cups is sometimes quite hot, and the openings of the waste water bowl or tea bowls are relatively small, tea tongs were created for convenience. Though unassuming, they are actually a very

Introduction to Fairness Cups (Gongdao Bei)

A fairness cup, also known as a equality cup (Gongdao Bei), is essentially the same as what is commonly called a tea pitcher or tea fair cup. Simply put, its purpose is to hold brewed tea to prevent the leaves from steeping for too long, which can cause bitterness and astringency. It is also used

Introduction to Tea Boats (Cha He)

A tea boat (also known as a tea holder) is a common tea utensil, named for its shape which often resembles a lotus leaf edge. Its purpose is to measure the appropriate amount of tea leaves, and it is also commonly used for appreciating the dry leaves. Taking a moment to admire the leaves in

Introduction to Tea Scoops (Chaze)

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

Introduction to Water Bowls (Shuifang)

A water bowl, also known as a waste water bowl, *shuiyu*, *yuefang*, or tea wash (*chaxi*), literally translates to a vessel for holding water. In the context of tea brewing, it primarily serves two main purposes. First, it is used before brewing to warm up cups and teapots. Afterward, during the brewing process, it can

Introduction to Tea Spoons

A tea spoon is much like a regular spoon, but it is a small tool specifically designed for brewing tea. It serves many purposes, such as measuring and transferring loose tea, tasting tea, and checking aromas. Mostly made of porcelain, it is an indispensable little tool for making tea. Along with teacups and teapots, tea

Introduction to Tea Saucers

A tea saucer, also known as a tea dish, is generally larger when referred to as a saucer and smaller when referred to as a tea dish, though they serve essentially the same function. The primary purpose of a tea saucer is to create a barrier between your hand and the teacup, preventing burns from

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