Teaware

Teaware is a broad international spectrum of equipment used in the brewing and consumption of tea. Many components make up that spectrum, and vary greatly based upon the type of tea being prepared, and the cultural setting in which it is being prepared. This is often referred to as the tea ceremony, and holds much significance in many cultures, particularly in northwestern Europe and in eastern Asia. A complete, cohesive collection of tea ware makes up a tea set.

Components

Alternatives / Others

Chaki, the caddy used at Japanese tea ceremonies.

Chawan, tea bowl used in East Asian tea ceremonies

Coffee cup, instead of tea cup

Gaiwan, lidded cup for brewing and decanting or tea may even be drunk out of the vessel directly

Japanese tea utensils, used in their tea ceremonies

Mug, instead of tea cup

Tea draining tray, for the Gongfu tea ceremony

Construction

Tea equipment may be constructed of many materials, from iron in Japan to porcelain and clay in China, and also bamboo and other woods. Of particular repute are the Yixing clay teapots produced in eastern China, a type of Yixing ware. The Brown Betty was originally made from red clay found in Britain.

Lu Yu's tea set (陸羽的茶具)

The twelve tea pieces for the elderly (審安老人的12茶具)

Brazier (風爐)

Crushing block (砧椎)

Crushing roller (碾)

Stone mill (石磨)

Gourd scooper (瓢)

Sieve box (羅合)

Brush (札)

Bowl basket (畚)

Bowl (碗)

Water vessel (水方)

Tea whisk (茶筅)

Tea cloth (巾)

The above tea pieces were also mentioned by Lu Yu in The Classic of Tea, except for the stone mill (石磨) and tea whisk (茶筅).