Good tea deserves fine tea utensils. Drinking tea is not only about savoring the tea but also about achieving harmony between the mind and the tea. Of course, it is essential to know their names first. 1. Tea ceremony tools, also known as the Six Gentlemen of Tea Ceremony, include: Tea Needle for unclogging the tea spout, Tea Pick for picking up tea cups, Tea Scoop for transferring tea leaves from the tea caddy or pot, Tea Scale for measuring tea leaves from the caddy, Tea Strainer for placing over the pot to facilitate tea leaf infusion, and Tea Cylinder for holding the aforementioned tea tools.
2. Commonly used tea utensils on the tea mat: Teapot, the vessel for brewing tea, comes in various materials such as purple sand, porcelain, glass, and metal pots. Pot Stand, also known as Pot Support, is specifically designed to hold the teapot. It is best to pair it with a soft mat, such as a sponge gourd mat or a soft cloth, to prevent friction with the pot. Tea Tray, a plate for holding tea cups and other tea utensils, also catches tea water that flows out or is poured away during the brewing process.
Tea Cup, used for tasting tea soup, comes in white porcelain, purple sand, glass, etc. Aroma Cup, used for smelling the fragrance of tea, is often used when brewing high-aroma oolong. Gaiwan, also known as the ‘Heaven, Earth, and Human’ bowl, can also be used as a tea cup for direct drinking. Cup Mat, also known as Cup Support, prevents water from the cup or the bottom of the cup from splashing and wetting the tea table or causing friction with the bottom of the cup.
Fairness Cup, also known as Tea Bowl or Mother Cup, is used to hold brewed tea soup and then pour it into each cup to ensure the same tea concentration and flavor, while also allowing tea dregs to settle. Water Basin, also known as Tea Basin or Waste Water Basin. Some places call it Jianshui, but Jianshui usually comes with a lid. Tea Caddy, for holding dry tea leaves taken out of the tea canister, also serves as a tea appreciation tool.
Tea Knife, for prying tight-pressed tea, is a specialized tea utensil for brewing compressed tea. Filter Holder, a device for placing filters. Filtering Net, also known as Wet Tea Strainer, is placed on the Fairness Cup to filter tea dregs and make the tea soup clear. Tea Cloth, for wiping water and tea stains on tea utensils during the brewing process. Tea Canister, for storing tea leaves, comes in various materials such as porcelain, iron, plastic, enamel, and tin, as well as pottery cans.
