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Tea Wares
Tea wares in China are essential tools used for the preparation, brewing, and enjoyment of tea. They encompass a wide range of items, each designed to enhance the tea-drinking experience. Here are some key tea wares commonly used in Chinese tea culture:
Teapots (茶壶 – Chá Hú):
Materials: Teapots can be made from various materials such as clay (Yixing clay is renowned), porcelain, glass, and metals like silver.
Function: They are used for steeping tea leaves, with different materials believed to influence the flavor of the brewed tea.
Teacups (茶杯 – Chá Bēi):
Materials: Teacups are typically made from porcelain, but can also be crafted from clay, glass, and other materials.
Design: Chinese teacups are often small and handle-less, designed to be held with both hands to appreciate the aroma and warmth of the tea.
Tea Bowls (茶碗 – Chá Wǎn):
Usage: Tea bowls are used for whisking powdered teas like matcha in traditional tea ceremonies, but they can also be used for steeped teas.
Design: They are wider and deeper compared to teacups, allowing for easy whisking and enjoying the frothy tea.
Tea Trays (茶盘 – Chá Pán):
Function: Also known as tea boats (茶船 – Chá Chuán), these trays are used to catch overflow and drips during tea preparation, ensuring cleanliness.
Materials: Tea trays are often made from bamboo, wood, or metal, and can be simple or elaborate depending on the occasion.
Tea Scoops (茶匙 – Chá Chí):
Usage: Tea scoops are used to measure tea leaves, ensuring consistency in brewing. They can also be ornate and decorative in traditional tea ceremonies.
Materials: They are typically made from bamboo, wood, or even metal, depending on the tea culture and tradition.
Tea Strainers (茶漏 – Chá Lòu):
Function: Used to strain tea leaves when pouring brewed tea into cups, ensuring a smooth and leaf-free drinking experience.
Design: Strainers can be simple mesh filters or more intricate designs with handles or hooks to sit over the teapot or cup.
Tea Whisks (茶筅 – Chá Xiǎn):
Usage: Primarily used for whisking powdered teas like matcha into a frothy consistency in traditional tea ceremonies.
Materials: Made from bamboo or other flexible materials, tea whisks have many fine tines that aid in creating a smooth tea.
Tea Caddies (茶罐 – Chá Guàn):
Purpose: Used for storing loose-leaf teas to maintain freshness and protect from moisture and light.
Design: Caddies can be simple jars or intricately designed containers, often crafted from ceramic, porcelain, or metal.
These tea wares not only serve functional purposes but also embody the aesthetic and cultural aspects of Chinese tea ceremonies and daily tea rituals. The materials, craftsmanship, and designs vary widely, reflecting regional traditions and personal preferences in enjoying tea.