Teaware

CHA HAI

“Cha Hai” is a combination of two Chinese characters, “Cha” and “Hai,” which literally means “sea of tea.” In Taiwan, however, it is also known as “Gong Dao Bei,” which translates as “fairness cup.”

Cha Hai has three main purposes:

1. Even out the strength of the infusion
When tea is poured directly from a teapot or gaiwan into the cups, the concentration may vary. This is because the tea at the bottom of the vessel is stronger, while the tea at the top is weaker. As a result, the first cup may be weaker and the last one stronger. The Cha Hai allows the infusion to be mixed evenly, ensuring a consistent strength throughout.

2. Ensure an even volume
Consistency is an important aspect of the Chinese tea ceremony. The tea should not only have the same strength, but also be distributed evenly among all cups. Since a traditional teapot is opaque and enclosed, it can be difficult to judge and pour an equal amount for each guest. The Cha Hai, being an open vessel, makes it easy to see the amount of tea and distribute it evenly.

3. Filter the infusion
The Cha Hai also helps remove tea particles and sediment from the infusion. During the transfer, a special strainer can be used to filter the tea, making the infusion clear and pleasant to drink.

TEA CUPS

Tea cups and bowls can be made from various materials, such as ceramic, glass, porcelain, and clay. Each material has its own unique properties and can influence the taste and aroma of the tea.

Clay tea bowls retain heat for a long time and are ideal for heavily fermented teas such as shu pu-erh or red tea.

Thin porcelain bowls are versatile, but are particularly well suited to delicate teas such as white tea, green tea, and oolongs.

Glazed ceramic is a versatile option. It retains heat well, while the variety of glazes offers a wide range of designs.

Tea Pets (茶宠)

A tea pet, or “tea spirit” (茶宠), also known as a “cha chong,” is a small figurine that some tea lovers keep for good luck.

Tea pets are small decorative figurines that tea lovers keep for good luck. They are usually placed on a tea tray (chaban) and “watered” with tea during the tea ceremony. When a tea pet is unglazed, it absorbs some of the tea, gradually changing its color and developing a subtle tea aroma over time.

Tea pets can be made from various materials, such as clay or porcelain, and are often shaped like animals from the Chinese zodiac or mythical creatures, such as dragons, frogs, or fish. They symbolize luck, wealth, and happiness. They can also depict historical or mythical figures, such as Guanyin or Zhuge Liang.

TEA CEREMONY TABLES

CHABAN

A Chaban is a special tea tray used in the Chinese tea ceremony for preparing and serving tea. Its main purpose is to provide convenience and enhance the aesthetics of the tea experience. It is usually a wooden table with a plastic tray that collects excess water and tea produced during brewing.

There are also Chabans without a tray, featuring a wooden insert. These can be used not only for tea ceremonies but also as storage or transport boxes for tea utensils. Less commonly, Chabans are made from a single piece of wood without a tray, with a special hose and pump used to drain excess water. In some models, the hose can optionally be connected to a plastic tray.

A Chaban helps maintain cleanliness and convenience during tea sessions while also serving as an important element of tea aesthetics.