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QingHuan Chinese Tea House

QingHuan Chinese Tea House
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Monday 29 June 2009

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

16 comments:

Imporchá-Oriental sensations said...

Hi Its something extra ordinary article to read and know about tea sets,Keep it up on writing.We are glad to know more on this.

Unknown said...

Thanks again for your sweet comment and encouragement. It definitely drive me to write more on this centuries old culture. See you again.

3rd Wave Inc said...

Organic products are essentially earth-friendly, sustainable and natural, not only in its entity but in production mode. Which makes safer and healthier.

Unknown said...

Thanks for your clarification on the organic products and I am sure it is of great assistance to every reader.

MJ Chan said...

ohhh very informative esp for tea lovers like me thanks! :D

Unknown said...

Thanks for your kind visit and comment, MJ. I am glad that you find it informative.

Anonymous said...

I love teacups and teapots, teawares, and everything about teas! So glad I bumped into your blog.

Tea sets also have a lot to do with culture and that makes them more interesting.

Thanks for sharing. Love this post!

Unknown said...

I am more than happy to meet a new friend like you, who has a common interest. It makes me equally happy that this blog can serve your purpose.

I am very happy to meet you, Sashindsubutsu.

You have a very good point that it is well related to culture and you are encourage to visit this blog more frequent, if you have the time to do so, so as to have a better understanding of it. In this sense, you will have more satisfaction of it.

Look froward to seeing you,

Unknown said...

Oh James.. I love the yellow tea set!

Unknown said...

Sheila,
You have a good choice. Yes, it is so adorable and I do love it as one of my collection in future.

Jason Witt said...

I have two Yi Xing trays like this. I've seen them called tea boats. I didn't know about the rosewood ones. I'd like to have something like that too but right now I don't need anymore.

Unknown said...

Jason,
You too have a great blog. Coming back of your tea tray, please send me an email with the photo and your offered price to jamesoh2003@yahoo.co.uk. So that I can take a look and take it further. Thanks.

Jussi Rautaniemi said...

Sorry for spamming, but:
check out this tea doc about green tea and a tearoom in Prague! Nice tea moments!

http://www.vimeo.com/5403353

Unknown said...

Thanks for dropping by and your info, Jussi.

I will take a look at your recommended site once available.

bebemochi said...

Hi, could anybody advise me where on earth i could buy a really good water tray? Ive been searching the internet for months and havent really found anything im happy with. Has anyone else had this problem?
Ideally i would go to Taiwan but thats a bit out of my budget :)
The stump style water tray is beautiful! I live in the UK but dont care about postage costs.
Please help!

Unknown said...

Hello Bebemochi,

Thanks for dropping by and ask for assistance here. Hope someone will direct you to the right place to obtain get it.

Have a fruitful day eevryday,


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