Different Types of Chinese Tea Sets

In China and Japan, tea is not just a beverage, but an art form. The process of growing, drying and processing tea is a long and arduous one in the modern age, so it must have been even more labor intensive centuries ago. Such a drink needed to be graced with fine cups, saucers, pots and spoons. This also showed respect to any guest that came to drink tea. As a result, many types of Chinese tea sets were developed and are now catching on in the West.

Usual Utensils

Chinese tea sets, no matter what their size, style or color, should have the following - at least two cups or bowls, saucers, a pot and a tray to hold everything. Some other sets may have matching scoop-like spoons for stirring the tea or removing any leaves. Most Chinese tea cups or bowls are very small and without handles. In this way, the tea can be savored at the best temperature and it warms up the hands.

But some types of Chinese tea sets are not made to have the cup be picked up. Tea drinkers place the tiny cup on a saucer or metal frame and pick the whole apparatus up. In this way, there is no risk of burning the fingers. A classic style is called Gong Fu, which originated in what is now the Guangdong province. Its clay pot has a very long handle that sticks out to the side.

Unusual Features

Some Chinese tea sets will have long, narrow cups without saucers. These are called aroma cups, where some tea is poured just for the guests to smell. This practice is similar, but possibly older than sniffing the pulled cork from a bottle of wine. Gong Fu sets will also include a tall wooden cup to hold wooden utensils such as spoons and tongs.

The tea set style called Yixing often includes kettles and teapots with handles but handleless cups. They also may include ornately carved wooden scoops for placing the tea leaves into the pot. This style is still made today. Yixing sets may be made of clay, wood, bamboo or a combination of all three.

The Gaiwan style is made with porcelain and can be ornately painted. Each teacup consists of a saucer, the sup and a lid with a small knob that can be used as a handle. The lid not only keeps the tea hot, but can be overturned and sniffed like an aroma cup.