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

In China, tea drinking is particularly scrupulous. This process is shrouded in many secrets and traditions. High-quality tea utensils help to reveal all the taste and aromatic qualities, fully enjoy the drink. Proper storage and brewing ensures the preservation of healing properties. A set of tea utensils contains everything you need to get acquainted with an amazing drink.

Features of dishes directly depend on what it is made of.

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

Sets look like works of art and are usually used for serving the holiday table. In China, porcelain tea sets are exhibited only for important and dear guests. Ceramic dishes are not so luxurious in decor, but it is more practical. Can be used for many varieties of tea.

Outwardly, such dishes are stylish and modern. Products warm quickly and cool. Glass tea utensils make it possible to observe the brewing process, which looks very aesthetic.

Tea set includes items for storage, brewing and drinking tea. Traditionally, the set consists of several necessary 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 has the appearance of a plate.
• Tea pair (a tall glass of "Vanxiang Bey" and a drinking bowl "Pinminbey"). Tea is poured into a glass and covered with a bowl. In the latter, the flavor of the drink is preserved. The pair may additionally contain a “bainch-jan” - a tray of a round or square shape. A glass with a bowl is served to the guest so that he can enjoy the smell and the first sip of the drink.
• Blackboard (chaban). This stand for the tea set 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 participants in the ceremony are not distracted from the process. In the modern world, the board allows you to drink tea even on your desktop with documents without the risk of spoiling anything.
• Kettle for brewing. Inside there is a sieve that allows you to pour the drink without leaves. The filter can be located both inside and outside on the spout. The most important item of the tea set.
• Jug for tea (chahai). After brewing, the drink is poured into such dishes, and only then is poured to each guest. This is necessary so that the leaves do not brew for too long.

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

• linen towel - designed for wiping tea from spilled tea;
• porcelain spoon to remove the remnants of tea leaves from a bowl;
• a needle for cleaning the nose of the teapot from the leaves;
• brush for brushing drops from the kettle;
• bamboo shovel for brewing plays the role of a dispenser, is used to sleep brewing;
• tongs to clean the kettle from the old brew;
• hourglass for 2 minutes - that is how much time it takes for tea leaves to brew.

Modern tea sets are expanded and contain more items. Additional dishes included in the set.

1. Saucer used in conjunction with a pair of tea.
2. Sugar bowl. Porcelain or glass object with sugar will become a functional decoration of the table.
3. Candy. It has the shape of a plate or basket. Designed for sweets and additions to the drink.
4. Milkman. Tea with milk is a rather popular drink. If you prefer just such an option, then special dishes are simply irreplaceable.
5. Teaspoons. The most popular are silverware. They do not affect the taste of tea and benefit. However, teaspoons can be made of metal. Embossing is used as a decor.

Some sets instead of a tea pair includes only cups with saucers. Such dishes is unconventional, but quite popular, and is called a tea service. Additional items are not always included in the set, often they have to be bought separately.

Tea kitchenware will decorate the holiday table or will be a good gift for loved ones. Properly chosen set will serve for many years and will allow you to save all the properties of tea.

It is important to pay attention to the following characteristics.

• The number of items. The classic set is designed for 6 people, but modern manufacturers offer other options. If the dishes are intended for family use, then you can take small. For holidays it is worth looking at the expanded sets. Be sure to read the description to know the complete set of the set.
• The decor. Even glassware can be colored. Clay variations 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 dishes.
• Manufacturer. It is recommended to give preference to reputable and popular brands. So you can not worry that you were deceived. The quality of the service directly affects the characteristics of the drink.

Usually the table is foldable and has a cover. Inside you can put a teapot, tea towel, tongs, a pair of tea and a jug.

There are certain tips on choosing.

• Especially carefully worth considering to the tea board (shepherd). It helps not only to protect the surface, but also to tune in the desired fashion, to organize the space.
• When choosing dishes for brewing is better to give preference clay or porcelain models. Alternatively, use a bowl with a lid (gaiwan) of porcelain.
• Teapot better check before you buy. In a quality product, the stream is even and full when pouring. The tip of the spout should be on the same level with the body.
• Jug for tea (chahan) It looks especially aesthetically pleasing if it is made of glass or porcelain.
• Porcelain tea pair makes tea drinking the most comfortable. It is pleasant and convenient to use such ware.
• Sieve on the spout. Additional filtering of the drink from small tea leaves allows maximum purification of the liquid. Such a sieve with a hook or eyelet is put on the kettle before pouring the contents.

The tea ware of high quality has a long service life.

Important points to consider are listed below.

• Limit the contact of tea utensils with sources of strong odor. Do not place the kit near food or spices. Do not touch the product with a strong fragrance or cream. The dishes absorb the odor in themselves, and this spoils 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 icing inside the teapot, then brew in it only the same tea. When cleaning with forceps, pull out the leaves and pour boiling water over the inner surface. Do not use detergents.

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