What equipment is used in Chinese tea service?

Here is a breakdown of equipment used in Chinese tea service, focusing on the most common items:

Essential Equipment:

* Teapot (茶壺 / cháhú):

* Yixing teapot (宜興壺 / yíxīng hú): Crafted from purple clay, known for heat retention and unique flavor infusion.

* Gaiwan (蓋碗 / gàiwǎn): A lidded bowl used for brewing and serving tea. Popular for its versatility and aesthetic.

* Zisha (紫砂 / zǐshā): Another term for Yixing teapot, emphasizing the material.

* Ceramic or Porcelain Teapot: Many styles and sizes exist, offering a wide range of options.

* Teacups (茶杯 / chá bēi):

* Small, often shallow cups: Ideal for savoring the subtle flavors and aromas of tea.

* Materials: Porcelain, glass, or ceramic are common.

* Tea Caddy (茶罐 / chá guàn): Stores tea leaves to preserve freshness.

* Tea Tray (茶盤 / chá pán): A platform for holding the teapot, cups, and other accessories, often made of bamboo or wood.

* Tea Towel (茶巾 / chá jīn): Used to wipe spills and clean the tea tray.

Optional Equipment:

* Tea strainer (茶漏 / chá lòu): Used to separate tea leaves from the brewed tea, especially for loose leaf varieties.

* Tea scoop (茶匙 / chá chí): Measures out tea leaves for brewing.

* Tea pet (茶寵 / chá chǒng): A decorative figurine placed on the tea tray, often made of Yixing clay.

* Tea warmer (茶托 / chá tuō): Keeps the teapot warm during the brewing process.

* Tea table (茶桌 / chá zhuō): A dedicated table for tea service.

* Tea ceremony accessories: Items like a gong (bell) or incense burner might be used in more formal tea ceremonies.

Important Notes:

* The type and quantity of equipment used depend on the tea being brewed and the specific ceremony or occasion.

* Tea ceremony is a rich tradition in China, with various styles and rituals depending on the region and the tea being served.

* The beauty and craftsmanship of tea equipment are often as important as the tea itself.

Let me know if you have any other questions!