This can be attributed to the importance of the tea ceremony to Chinese culture. A tea ceremony is not complete with a fine tea set. Exquisitely crafted Chinese tea sets are one of the best symbols of a rich culture.
When considering the process of tea making, it is significant to be familiar with steps. The first of the whole process is the selection of the perfect Chinese tea set. Choosing the proper tea set is an important aspect in the preparation of tea. It plays a vital role in brewing tea.
The question now is, what are the proper components of Chinese tea sets? A good set includes tea cups, tea saucers, tea bowls, a teapot, and a tea tray. The sets themselves often become a significant part of the artistry of drinking and making tea.
Selecting a tea set for everyday use depends mainly on the type of tea that the user will be drinking. This can also vary by region so that different regions specialize in different tea sets.
Floral teas, which are considered herbal teas, are commonly drank in the eastern and northern parts of China. Large teapots are commonly used in brewing floral tea. These teapots are usually ceramic, and the size varies according to the number of people to be served.
Green tea that is most popular in the Kangnam region and a ceramic teapot with a lid is also most common. In areas like Fujian, Taiwan and Guangdong, they usually use a regular kettle to brew the tea since they prefer drinking oolong tea.
Small tea cups, rather than large cups, are best suited for fine-leaf teas. This is because large cups allow the ratio of water to tea to change. This causes the leaves to brew too quickly, discoloring them as well as changing the fragrance and flavor of the resulting tea.
Today, though not as beautifully designed as the sets of the olden days, tea cups come in many designs and forms. They can even differ according to their respective uses. There are three most popular types of tea sets today which are worth mentioning: filtering tea cups, cast iron tea cups, and specialty tea cups.
Filtering Tea Cups
Filtering tea cups or mugs are used primarily the tea. They are designed and made with internal filters. Two of the best known filtering tea cups are the Yixing Clay Filtering Mug and Poetry Filtering Tea Cup. The former is made in Jiangsu province, which is 120 miles northwest of Shanghai, China. For centuries, Yixing wares are recognized to be the best vessels for tea. They were made from purple clay and are said to be able to absorb the aroma and flavors of the Chinese tea. The Poet Filtering Tea Cup, on the other hand, is a porcelain mug. It comes with its own lid and an internal porcelain filter.
Cast Iron Tea Cups
The most common of this type of tea cups is the Black Cast Iron Tea Cup which is made from sturdy iron. The interior is coated with enamel to prevent rusting. They can keep your tea warm longer than ceramic tea cups. They are also considered to be classics and are perfect not only for your own collection but as a worthy gift as well. They come in a wide selection of colors and designs.
Specialty Tea Cups
A couple of famous specialty tea cups are Small Peony Flower Gaiwan and the Four Season Character Tea Cup. The Gaiwan tea cup is made from porcelain and has a lovely peony flower design. Gaiwan originated from the Ming Dynasty but it was not until the Chine Dynasty that they become popular. Perhaps one of the most beautiful among Chinese tea cups is the Four Season Character Tea Cup. It has the four season calligraphy character at all sides, as the name implies.
Other elements you can include in a Chinese tea set to enhance it are trays, tea set cover cloths, and tea plates. There are people who choose the old traditions, and prefer to stick to the basic sets, without modern accents. However you want it, the point is to buy a Chinese tea set for yourself now so you can enjoy properly brewed tea.
