Tea ware: what is it and what items are included in the set?

In China, tea drinking is especially scrupulous. This process is shrouded in many secrets and traditions. High-quality tea ware helps to reveal all the taste and aroma qualities, to fully enjoy the drink. Proper storage and brewing ensures the preservation of the healing properties. The tea set contains everything you need to discover an amazing drink.

The features of the dishes directly depend on what they are made of.

It is believed that the best pottery for tea is made in Yixing (China) - a material with special properties is mined there. Clay products can only be used for one type of tea, because clay absorbs aroma.

The sets look like works of art and are usually used for setting the festive table. In China, porcelain tea sets are only exhibited for important and dear guests. Ceramic dishes are not as luxurious in decor, but they are more practical. Can be used with a variety of teas.

Outwardly, such dishes are stylish and modern. Products quickly warm up and cool down. Glass tea ware allows you to observe the brewing process, which looks very aesthetically pleasing.

The tea set includes items for storing, brewing and drinking tea. Traditionally, a set consists of several essential items.

• Storage boxes (Cha-he). Leaf tea is poured into the container.Before the ceremony, all participants can get acquainted with the drink, appreciate the appearance and aroma. Cha-he sometimes looks like a plate.
• Tea pair (a tall glass of "wansiangbei" and a bowl of "pingmingbei"). Tea is poured into a glass and covered with a bowl. The latter retains the aroma of the drink. The pair may additionally contain "bainch-jan" - a round or square tray. A glass with a bowl is served to the guest so that he can enjoy the smell and the first sip of the drink.
• Board (chaban). This tea set stand is equipped with a double bottom, due to which spilled drops of the drink do not stain the table. Traditionally, this is necessary so that the participants in the ceremony are not distracted from the process. In the modern world, a blackboard allows you to drink tea even on a desktop with documents without the risk of spoiling anything.
• Brewing kettle. There is a sieve inside that allows you to pour the drink without leaves. The filter can be located both inside and outside on the spout. The most important piece of a tea set.
• A jug for tea (chahai). After brewing, the drink is poured into such a bowl, and only then is it poured out to each guest. This is to prevent the leaves from steeping for too long.

They are needed in order to make tea drinking more comfortable, to reduce hassle. List of important tools:

• linen towel - designed for wiping tea utensils from spilled tea;
• a porcelain spoon to remove the remains of tea leaves from the bowl;
• a needle for cleaning the teapot spout from leaves;
• brush for brushing off drops from the teapot;
• the bamboo spatula for brewing acts as a dispenser, serves for filling the infusion;
• tongs for cleaning the teapot from old tea leaves;
• hourglass for 2 minutes - this is how long it takes for the tea leaves to brew.

Modern tea sets have been expanded to include more items. Extra crockery included in the set.

1. Saucer used in combination with a tea pair.
2. Sugar bowl. A porcelain or glass item with sugar will become a functional table decoration.
3. Candy bowl. Has the shape of a plate or basket. Designed for sweets and drink additions.
4. Milkman. Milk tea is a fairly popular drink. If you prefer just this option, then special dishes are simply irreplaceable.
5. Teaspoons. The most popular are silverware. They do not affect the taste of the tea and are beneficial. However, teaspoons can also be made of metal. Embossing is used as a decoration.

In some sets, instead of a pair of tea, only cups and saucers are included. Such utensils are unconventional, but quite popular, and are called a tea set. Additional items are not always included in the set; they often have to be purchased separately.

Tea kitchen utensils will decorate a festive table or be a good gift for loved ones. A correctly selected set will serve for many years and will preserve all the properties of the tea.

It is important to pay attention to the following characteristics.

• Number of items. The classic set is designed for 6 people, but modern manufacturers offer other options as well. If the dishes are intended for family use, then you can take a small one. For the holidays, it's worth taking a look at the extended sets. Be sure to study the description to know the complete set of the kit.
• Decor. Even glassware can be colored. Clay varieties are usually decorated with a variety of ornaments and ethnic motifs. Porcelain sets are very diverse in shape and design. It is necessary that the decor of the tea set is combined with other utensils.
• Manufacturer. It is recommended to give preference to established and popular brands. So you do not have to worry that you have been deceived.The quality of the service directly affects the characteristics of the drink.

Usually the table is foldable and has a cover. You can put a teapot, tea towel, tongs, steamed tea and a jug inside.

There are also certain tips for choosing.

• You should be especially careful to the tea board (chabani). It helps not only to protect the surface, but also to tune in the right way, to organize the space.
• When choosing utensils for brewing, it is better to give preference clay or porcelain models. Alternatively, use a porcelain bowl with a lid (gaiwan).
• Kettle better check before buying. In a high-quality product, when pouring, the stream is even and full. The tip of the nose should be flush with the body.
• Jug for tea (chakhan) looks especially aesthetically pleasing if made of glass or porcelain.
• Porcelain tea pair makes tea drinking the most comfortable. Such dishes are pleasant and convenient to use.
• Sieve on the spout. Additional filtration of the drink from small tea leaves allows you to maximize the purification of the liquid. Such a sieve with a hook or loop is placed on the teapot before pouring the contents.

High quality tea ware has a long service life.

Important points to consider are presented below.

• Limit contact of tea utensils with strong odors. Do not place this kit near food or spices. Do not touch products with strong perfume or cream scent. The dishes will absorb the foreign smell into themselves, and this will spoil the brewed tea.
• Use only a separate tea towel for wiping. Otherwise, kitchen odors or grease particles can ruin the dishes.
• If there is no glaze inside the teapot, then brew only the same tea in it. When cleaning with tongs, remove the leaves and pour boiling water over the inner surface. Do not use detergents.

Next, you can get acquainted with the process of holding a tea ceremony in China.