Teaware

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Teaware is the entire spectrum of equipment used in the production of tea. Many components make up that spectrum, and vary greatly based upon the type of tea being prepared, and the cultural setting in which it is bring prepared. This is often referred to as the tea ceremony, and holds much significance in many cultures, particularly in northwestern Europe and in eastern Asia.

[edit] Components

• Teapots, which are used to steep the tea leaves in hot water
• Teacups, which are vessels from which to drink the hot tea out of which the leaves have been strained. There are many different kinds of tea cups.
• Tea strainers, for extracting leaves from tea solutions
• Tea trays, or draining trays, which are used to keep the tea and/or hot water from spilling onto the table.
• Tea bags and tea balls, which are used to hold tea leaves in water for removal after steeping.
• Tea caddies, for storing tea when not being consumed

[edit] Construction

Tea equipment may be constructed of many materials, from iron in Japan to porcelain and clay in China, and also bamboo and other woods. Of particular repute are the Yixing clay teapots produced in eastern China.