But why choose a tea set over individual pieces of teaware?
First, tea set designs consider the liquid capacity of the cups and teapots, preventing you from brewing too much or too little tea. This convenience ensures a stress-free tea brewing experience. Additionally, the matching design of the individual pieces of a set enhance the aesthetics and atmosphere of your tea table. High-quality Chinese tea sets are also attractive to teaware collectors. Finally, Chinese tea sets are usually more economical and convenient than buying individual pieces of teaware, as they provide everything you need to brew a great cup of tea.
When do you prefer a tea set with gaiwan, and when with a teapot?
While gaiwans can serve as both teapots and cups, the reverse is not true; a teapot cannot function as a cup. This key distinction aside, both gaiwans and teapots are excellent options for brewing gongfu-style tea. Teapots offer ease of use and better control compared to traditional gaiwans, making them an ideal choice for beginners. However, if you're keen on using a gaiwan, consider starting with a beginner-friendly 'easy gaiwan'. These specially designed gaiwans have a pitcher-like shape, making them more suitable for novice tea drinkers.
Do I need a travel tea set when I already have a regular tea set?
Travel tea sets are a convenient choice for tea lovers on the go. Whether you're on a trip, vacation, or even at the office, these sets allow you to enjoy a good cup of tea prepared with the gongfu method. The protective travel case ensures you can bring your delicate teaware without worrying about cracking or damaging it, making it a practical addition to your tea collection.
What are the characteristics of the different materials used for making tea sets?
Chinese tea sets can be made of various materials, each with unique characteristics that can enhance the brewing experience. Whether it's borosilicate glass for its transparency, glazed ceramic for its versatility, or Yixing clay for its ability to enhance tea aroma, each material has its own beauty and is suitable for different teas.
- Borosilicate glass is more heat-resistant than regular glass, but its heat resistance level isn't comparable with clay. Therefore, it is usually used for steeping low-temperature teas, such as green and white tea. Due to its transparency, it is used for steeping teas with a visual impact, such as flower teas and blooming tea balls.
- Glazed ceramic is the most common material used for teaware. Its high heat resistance and heat-restrain are valuable, making it the most versatile material for any tea, from white to pu'er. Moreover, the glaze prevents the ceramic from absorbing aromas, so you can use the same tea set for brewing different teas.
- Porcelain's heat-resistant characteristics are similar to those of glazed ceramic, but porcelain is of a finer quality, has a more compact and resistant structure, and is translucent. It can be used for virtually any tea, but it's preferred for green and white tea.
- Yixing clay is a unique clay mined in the Yixing region of China. There are different types of Yixing clay, but the most traditional is the Zisha clay (or purple clay). The Yixing teaware isn't glazed and, therefore, has breathable characteristics. It can gradually absorb tea aroma and fragrance and may enhance your tea aroma over time. For the same reason, we highly recommend dedicating a Yixing teaware to a single kind of tea to avoid mixing up aromas and flavours. Yixing clay has high heat retention and is the ideal choice for brewing oolong, pu'er, and aged white tea.
What is included in a Chinese tea set
There is a flexible rule about tea sets and what they must include. Below is a general list of what Chinese tea sets may consist of.
- teapot tea set: teapot; cups (usually two up to six); pitcher; filter; lid.
- gaiwan tea set: traditional gaiwan or easy gaiwan with lid; cups (usually two up to six); pitcher; coasters; filter; lid.
- Travel tea set: easy gaiwan or small teapot; cups (usually one up to four); storage tea jar; tray (usually for big travel sets); storage bag/hard case.
How to use a Chinese tea set?
- Place the tea set on a tea tray.
- Rinse and heat the teapot/gaiwan with hot water.
- Add tea leaves to teapot/gaiwan.
- Pour hot water into the teapot and cover with the lid.
- Pour hot water over the outside of the teapot/gaiwan to further improve heat retention.
- Pour tea liquor into a pitcher
- Pour the tea from the pitcher into cups and serve.
- Repeat until the last steep.
Where to buy high-quality Chinese tea sets?
There are many Chinese tea sets on the market, but finding high-quality ones is not as easy. Our tea sets are from reliable sources that ensure their high-standard production. If you have any questions or need advice before purchasing a tea set, please contact us through the chatbox.
