Choose the ideal Chinese tea set

For small or large occasions, the Chinese tea set is perfect for performing the Gong Fu Cha ceremony. So, depending on the tea, what to choose between ceramic or glass accessories?

Ceramic for a vintage Chinese tea set

Among ceramic tea sets, there are those made of porcelain and those made of Yixing clay.

A Chinese porcelain set

Choose a set made of porcelain pieces. Each white accessory enhances the tea's color. You can taste several teas with a Chinese porcelain set. However, as it retains little heat, it's ideal for delicate teas like green, white, or yellow tea. Finally, between an all-white set or one with Chinese decoration, the choice is yours.

Choosing a Yixing clay set

The Yixing clay accessories are renowned. Without decoration, this porous ceramic retains tea tannins and memorizes its fragrance. You can therefore infuse only one type of tea with this Asian set, as it absorbs the taste over multiple infusions. Solid, this traditional set retains heat and is perfect for strong teas, like black tea or oolong tea.

A modern touch with an Asian glass set

Glass is frequently used for Chinese tea sets. This affordable material offers a good experience when tasting tea. Indeed, the accessories allow you to observe the dance of tea leaves during their infusion. You'll also admire the color of your different teas. Choose double-walled cups to avoid burning your hands.

Teapot, cups, tray, and other pieces: which accessories for a Chinese tea set?

There are simple Chinese tea sets, including a teapot and a few cups. But also more complete sets, for performing Gong Fu Cha.

• The teapot. The Chinese teapot is often small and round, where tea leaves are infused. The filter is commonly integrated upstream of the teapot's short spout.
• The tasting cups. Generally, the cup height is low and its diameter is wide. Their number varies depending on the chosen tea set.
• The serving tray. It's used to present the entire set. For Gong Fu Cha, a wooden tray called a boat is used.
• The smelling cup. This is a tall and narrow cup used to discover the tea's aromas.
• The reserve pot. It holds the water used to rinse the teapot and cups.
• The tea tongs. They allow you to pick up cups to empty them between infusions. Made of wood, they don't contaminate the tea.
• The tea scoop. Also made of wood, it's useful for scooping tea leaves to put them in the teapot.

Choose your Chinese tea set based on the accessories. For daily use, a small Chinese set is sufficient. For special occasions, or for an Asian-themed table, opt for a traditional vintage set.

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