What is a tea boat?

In the wonderful world of tea, the tea boat, often known as a "cha chuan" in Chinese, plays a crucial role. It's a small, sloping tray typically made of bamboo, wood, or porcelain, designed to hold the waste water from rinsing tea wares. This elegant tool is essential for the preparation and serving of tea in traditional Chinese tea ceremony, known as gongfu cha.

The tea boat not only serves a functional purpose but also adds a touch of elegance to the tea-making process. It ensures that the table remains dry and clean during the multiple rinsing steps involved in gongfu cha. The sloping design allows the water to drain off easily, preventing any mess or spills.

Moreover, the tea boat is a testament to the harmony between form and function in Chinese tea culture. It embodies the idea that every detail of the tea-making process, from the selection of tea leaves to the pouring of water, should be executed with precision and grace. The tea boat, in its simplicity and utility, represents this harmonious blend of art and everyday life.

Whether you're an experienced tea connoisseur or just starting your journey into the world of tea, the tea boat is an indispensable tool that adds a touch of refinement and ritual to your tea-drinking experience.