True centrepieces of the tea table, the accessories that make up a tea set invite you to savour a quality tea in good company. The tea set has travelled through centuries and cultures, with China holding a particularly deep-rooted tradition. From modern to vintage styles, plain or intricately decorated, Chinese tea sets come in many forms. The pieces — teapot, cups, tray — are crafted from a range of materials. Here is what to consider before choosing your Chinese tea set.
Clay, porcelain or glass: choosing a Chinese tea set
Whether for an everyday moment or a special occasion, a Chinese tea set is perfect for performing the Gong Fu Cha ceremony. Depending on the tea you enjoy, how do you choose between ceramic and glass accessories?
Ceramic for a vintage Chinese tea set
Among ceramic tea sets, two stand out: porcelain and Yixing clay.
A Chinese porcelain tea set
Porcelain pieces are a timeless choice. Each white accessory beautifully showcases the colour of your tea. A Chinese porcelain tea set can be used with a variety of teas, though it retains heat only lightly, making it ideal for more delicate varieties such as green, white or yellow tea. Choose between a plain white set or one adorned with traditional Chinese motifs — the decision is entirely yours.
A Yixing clay tea set
Yixing stoneware accessories have a long-standing reputation. Undecorated and porous, this clay gradually absorbs the tannins and fragrance of the tea it brews. For this reason, it is best to dedicate a Yixing set to a single type of tea, as the clay retains its character over time. Robust and excellent at holding heat, it is perfectly suited to bold teas such as black tea or dark oolong.
A modern touch with a glass Asian tea set
Glass is a popular choice for Chinese tea sets. Accessible and affordable, it offers a genuinely pleasurable tasting experience. Watching the tea leaves unfurl and dance during infusion is part of the ritual, and glass lets you admire the colour of each brew. Opt for double-walled cups to keep your hands cool while the tea stays warm.
Teapot, cups, tray and beyond: what accessories make up a Chinese tea set?
Some Chinese tea sets are beautifully simple, with just a teapot and a few cups. Others are more complete, designed for a full Gong Fu Cha experience.
- The teapot. The Chinese teapot is typically small and rounded, used to brew the tea leaves directly. A built-in filter is usually positioned just before the short spout.
- Tasting cups. Generally wide and shallow, these cups vary in number depending on the set.
- The serving tray. It presents the full set together. For Gong Fu Cha, a wooden tray — known as a tea boat — is traditionally used.
- The aroma cup. Tall and narrow, this cup is used to appreciate the tea's fragrance before drinking.
- The reserve pot. Used to hold the water for rinsing the teapot and cups between infusions.
- The tea tongs. Used to handle the cups when emptying them between infusions, they are typically made from wood so as not to affect the flavour of the tea.
- The tea scoop. Also made from wood, it is used to measure out the tea leaves before placing them in the teapot.
Choose your Chinese tea set based on the accessories that suit your rituals. For everyday use, a simple set is more than enough. For a special occasion or an Asian-inspired table setting, a traditional set adds an authentic touch.
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