TEA TRAY , or SO CALLED CHAPAN IN MANDARIN (3)

Dear loving readers,


By now, you have seen a few tea trays of my collection. You may notice that each and every piece has its own value and beauty.


Reasons for keeping various type and sizes of tea tray are as follows:-


1. to cater for different situation such as number of guest at one time.


2. to enjoy the beauty of its own and enhance the environment


3. for investment purpose






ROLES AND FUNCTIONS


It is used for traditional Chinese tea brewing (Gongfu Brewing).


It serves as a basin for excess water from the tea brewing process.


It is normally used as a platform to display the teapot and cups prior to the tea ceremony.


As the tea is being prepared, water normally be poured over the teapot and tea cups in a gentle, continuous motion to wash all the pottery. This technique results in water overflowing the teapot and cups onto the tea tray, before the water being drain into either the tray underneath or the bucket.


SIZES ARE DEPENDING ON USAGE AND SITUATION


Trays come in various sizes; cater for those tea drinkers who entertain numerous guests or for small groups.


For those using a lot of water in their tea preparation, then the external water hose is more suitable. It prevents from disposing of the excess water regularly. For less frequent drinkers or those who are not constantly rinsing tea wares, then the deeper tray with its own compartment for storing water is a better option. Such a tray means that an external bucket or container is not required. It is more suitable for those having many children or space constraint.


COMPARISON OF VARIOUS TYPES


1. Zhetan wood Tea Tray
As Zhetan wood is relative hard and not suitable for craving.However, it has its value because of its rarity and unique beauty. Plain and simple design, yet elegant. To reflect its own glory you must match it with the appropriate tea pot, bowl and cups, so to speak.




2. Bamboo
Tea tray made of Bamboo are normally polished and varnished to make them waterproof. They are designed to collect tea spills, much lighter and practical and beautiful. You may have seen my travel set.




Simple, elegant, robust and resilient are just a few of the characteristics of bamboo trees. It is one of the most versatile natural materials found on our planet and is still the preferred choice.


For a versatile tea tray this is a great choice - an ideal size for general use and entertaining friends without occupying too much space. Hard wearing bamboo with an external drain pipe (you will need a bucket or some form of water storage).


3. Xiying


See photo below.







4. Rosewood


It is solid wood and its characteristics is more inclined to Zhetan wood.




5."stump" style


It is carved from a single piece of wood (similar to American hickory). See photo below to have a better grasp of it. Each small level at various corners will ultimately drains into the main tray, which then drains out via hose.







Trust I have dwelt in-depth description of tea tray. Please put forward your query or thoughts through the comment if you have any.


Thanks for your time and see you again.




James Oh