For newcomers to the art of Tea, besides acquiring tea leaves, it is also necessary to equip oneself with some tea tools. However, a complete set of traditional tea tools can be overwhelming due to the sheer number and variety of items available, making selection difficult.

Generally speaking, for tea enthusiasts, just having a few key pieces of tea equipment is sufficient.

【 Water Heater 】

Many types of tea require boiling water at higher temperatures, and controlling the temperature is fundamental to ensuring the flavor of the tea infusion.

In ancient times, wind stoves or charcoal stoves were commonly used, but today, for convenience, electric water heaters are more frequently used. Stainless steel pots, clay pots, and heat-resistant glass pots are simple to operate, convenient, and safe.

If you prefer using a charcoal stove, remember to open the windows when heating water indoors to ensure proper ventilation.

【 Purple Clay Teapot 】

The teapot is the centerpiece on the tea table, and there are many types available, including purple clay Teapots, porcelain teapots, and glass teapots.

A purple clay teapot perfectly preserves the color, aroma, and taste of tea, and is often used for brewing oolong tea or Pu'er tea. Nourishing the pot is also a delightful aspect of its use; porcelain teapots are suitable for all types of tea and are convenient for daily use; glass teapots allow you to appreciate the tea liquor and can be chosen based on your needs.

【 Gaiwan (Covered Bowl) 】

A gaiwan is also known as a “three-talent cup.” The lid represents “heaven,” the saucer “earth,” and the bowl itself “human.”

In the north, a gaiwan serves both as a teacup and a teapot, allowing direct brewing and drinking from it. It can also be used to brew tea which is then poured into tasting cups for communal drinking. When choosing a gaiwan, pay attention to its shape, selecting a size and capacity that suits your needs.

【 Tasting Cup 】

A tasting cup is a small cup used for Drinking Tea. They come in various materials such as porcelain, clay, purple clay, and glass. When selecting a tasting cup, its style and material should complement the teapot. A tasting cup can serve different purposes depending on the owner's mood, purpose, and preferences, imbuing it with a unique character and charm.

【 Fairness Cup 】REMEMBER

The fairness cup, along with the teacup and teapot, are the three main components of Gongfu tea. Fairness cups come in porcelain, purple clay, and glass, with porcelain and glass being the most common. The fairness cup should match the teapot and Teacups in terms of style and material. Generally, the fairness cup should be slightly larger than the teapot and gaiwan.

Because the tea brewed in the teapot may have varying concentrations or contain tea residue when poured directly into cups, transferring the tea liquor to a fairness cup ensures that each teacup receives tea of consistent strength, allowing every guest to enjoy a uniform taste.

【 Tea Tray 】REMEMBER

A tea tray is a shallow container for holding the teapot, teacups, tea utensils, tea pets, and tea snacks. Its functions include organizing the tea tools and catching spilled tea and loose leaves.

Tea trays are primarily made of bamboo or wood, but can also be made of other materials like metal, stone, or jade. Regardless of the style, when choosing a tea tray, consider these three aspects: width, flatness, and shallowness. A wide surface accommodates multiple cups for multiple guests; a flat bottom ensures stability of the teacups; and a shallow edge enhances the overall aesthetic by showcasing the teacups and teapot.

For dry brewing, a dry-brewing platform can be used, while wet brewing involves the use of a tea tray (in wet brewing, tea utensils can be washed and rinsed directly on the tea tray). In most tea ceremony performances, a tea tray is typically used.

Beyond simply drinking tea, the joy of tea lies in the atmosphere it creates and the peaceful state of mind it fosters. There is no need to adhere strictly to one method; ultimately, what matters is that you enjoy yourself.

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