A tea set, also referred to as a tea service, encompasses a collection of coordinated teaware and associated utensils utilized in the preparation and presentation of tea. The traditional elements of a tea set can differ based on diverse societal and cultural backgrounds. Chinese tea sets are crafted from a variety of materials, including pottery, porcelain, lacquer, and glass, with designs aimed at elevating the flavor and enjoyment of tea. British tea sets are predominantly made of fine bone china, known for its durability and refinement, often featuring elegant and colorful patterns and shapes. Japanese tea sets are utilized in the traditional tea ceremony, emphasizing simplicity and rustic charm while highlighting natural beauty and harmony.
China
The documented history of tea sets originates in China during the Han dynasty (206–220 BC). During this time, tea sets were crafted from porcelain and came in two styles: a northern white porcelain and a southern light blue porcelain. These early tea sets were not the sugar bowl accompaniments that are now commonly used, but were instead bowls designed to contain spiced or plain tea leaves, which would then be infused with water. The bowls served multiple purposes and were utilized in various cooking processes. During this era, tea was primarily utilized as a medicinal elixir rather than a daily beverage for pleasure.
The origin of the teapot can be traced back to the Song dynasty (960–1279 AD), when an old kiln with some pieces of a Yixing teapot was discovered. Yixing teapots, also known as Zi Sha Hu in China and Purple Sand teapots in the U.S., are very famous teapots. They get their name from a small city in Jiangsu Province, where a special kind of iron ore gives them their distinctive color. They were fired without a glaze and suitable for brewing certain oolong teas. The clay was porous, so the teapot would slowly adapt to the tea it was used for. This was one of the reasons why people liked Yixing teapots. Moreover, craftsmen made creative pots with animal shapes. The Song dynasty also made beautiful ceramic teapots and tea bowls with shiny brown, black and blue glazes. A bamboo whisk was used to whip the tea into a creamy delicacy that the Chinese valued a lot.
Nowadays, a Chinese tea set usually contains the following items.
- Teapot(茶壶): A teapot is used to brew tea.
- Fair Cup(公道杯): Tea is poured into fair cup and then distributed to the guests so thateveryone gets the same taste of tea.
- Teacups(茶杯): Teacups are used to drink tea.There are usually six tea cups in a tea set.
- Tea Tray(茶盘): Tea tray, also known as tea boat, is used to place other tea sets. It can also hold wastewater.
- Scented Cup(闻香杯)：The smelling cup is well insulated, allowing the heat of the tea to remain for a longer period of time. The aroma of the teawill emit slowly so that drinkers can enjoy the
- Tea Filter(茶滤):It is used to filter the tea leaves while pouring the tea.
- Tea Clip(茶夹):Tea clip, also known as tea chopsticks, can be used to hold the tea residue out of the pot. Tea clip can also be used to hold the tea cup while washing it.
- Tea Towel(茶巾):Tea towel is also known as tea cloth. It is mainly used to dry the bottom part of the tea pot before pouring the tea. You can also use it to wipe the table.
Britain
As late as 1710, tea-related items such as teapots, stands, canisters, milk pots, sugar dishes, bowls, cups, and saucers were not typically imported as matching sets into Britain. Traders would assemble the sets themselves. However, it became possible at this time to order Chinese porcelain products that could be customized with specific designs. The Sèvres porcelain factory, established in 1738, initially focused on producing teapots but shifted its attention to tea sets after relocating to a new building in 1756.
Traditionally, tea cups were handle-less and used more like bowls. It wasn't until the mid-eighteenth century that Robert Adams proposed adding handles to the cups, changing the way tea was consumed from these vessels. Initially, tea was only accessible to the upper classes due to its cost, and drinking from a tea bowl was deemed too messy for their tastes. Some have suggested that the handle was to prevent ladies from burning their fingers.
In 1765, Queen Charlotte commissioned the English potter Josiah Wedgwood to create a tea service set using his newly developed high-quality cream earthenware, thereby transitioning away from the use of silver. Wedgwood established a studio in Bath in 1772 as his pottery gained popularity. It is believed that his tea set contributed to the increasing popularity of tea in the late eighteenth century, and Jane's novels confirm how tea became an extremely popular national beverage in upper-class Regency society.
Mass production of European tea sets commenced in the 1790s, but they remained expensive and were primarily enjoyed by the wealthy. Less affluent families occasionally assembled whatever tea pieces they had to host a collective tea party. The sets became more affordable in the latter half of the 19th century. Poor families may still have used teaware from a time when handles were not commonplace, but the aspiration to own a complete tea set became widespread.
A British tea set usually contains the following items.
- Tea Pot(茶壶):A teapot is used to brew tea.
- Sugar Bowl(糖罐): It is designed for holding sugar cubes.
- Sugar Clip(糖夹):It is used to add
- Milk Pot(奶壶):It is designed for holding the milk.
- Sets of Cups and Plates(套装杯碟):Cups are used to drink tea. Plates are used to place cups and spoons.
- Tea Spoons(茶匙): Tea Spoons are used to stir the tea after adding milk and sugar.
Japan
Japanese tea sets are renowned for their exquisite beauty and cultural importance. Used for making and serving traditional Japanese tea, these sets have a rich history dating back to the 8th century. Today, Japanese tea sets are popular among tea lovers globally and are used in various settings, ranging from formal tea ceremonies to casual gatherings. Originally used for medicinal purposes, tea quickly became a popular social beverage. In the 12th century, Zen Buddhist monk Eisai introduced the tea ceremony, which elevated the preparation and consumption of tea to a spiritual ritual.
By the 16th century, the tea ceremony had reached the height of its popularity in Japan, with tea sets playing a crucial role in this tradition. Made from a variety of materials such as ceramic, wood, and metal, these sets were often adorned with intricate designs and patterns. In modern times, Japanese tea sets continue to be used in traditional tea ceremonies, while also being valued by tea enthusiasts worldwide for their beauty and cultural significance.
Japanese tea sets today are utilized in a wide variety of settings, ranging from formal tea ceremonies to informal gatherings. Renowned by tea enthusiasts for their exquisite beauty and cultural significance, these sets are commonly used for preparing and serving traditional Japanese teas like matcha and sencha. Normally, Japanese tea sets are made from materials such as ceramic, wood, and metal. These sets can feature intricate designs and patterns.
A Japanese tea set usually contains the following items.
- Teapot(茶壶): A teapot is used to brew tea.
- Fair Cup(公道杯): Tea is poured into fair cups and then distributed to the guests so thateveryone gets the same taste of tea.
- Teacups(茶杯): Teacups are used to drink tea.There are usually four or six tea cups in a tea set.
- Tea Tray(茶盘): Tea tray, also known as tea boat is used to place other tea sets. It can hold wastewater.
- Tea Filter(茶滤):It is used to filter the tea leaves while pouring the tea.
- Tea Washer(茶洗): It is a vessel used in the tea ceremony to pour out excess tea water and warm rinse tea utensils.
- Tea Utensil Sets(茶道配件):Tea utensil set is the tool for tea ceremony performance. It usually contains tea scoop, tea whisk, tea clip and so on.