Wooden tray for serving Chinese tea.

In accordance with the Chinese tea tradition, a quick first rinse of the tea leaves with hot water is required. Likewise, the Gaiwan and other utensils should be rinsed with hot water. All water used for rinsing the leaves and utensils must be poured onto the tray.

Chinese tradition and tea trays.

The Chinese tradition also calls for a small feng shui statue or figurine to be placed on the tray. Often called “tea companions,” these statuettes are sprinkled to observe the steam and appreciate the water temperature. It is therefore important to have a tea tray equipped with a drainage grid and a watertight base designed to catch all the rinsing water.

A Chinese tea tray.

This tray also has a drainage system for water. A pipe and a suction bulb are connected to it. This allows the overflow water from the tea tray compartment to be drained without having to carry it full and risk spilling. You will find another model of Chinese tray with a complete porcelain tea set from China. There is also an excerpt on the proper conduct of the Gong Fu Cha tea ceremony.

Rectangular Chinese tea tray:

• A wooden tray with a watertight base.
• A pipe and a bulb for drainage.
• Tea tray accessories.