At Hey China we have a range of tea trays to elevate your tea time. Whether you’re a tea aficionado or just starting out with Chinese tea, these trays are a must have in your teaware collection.
Level Up Your Tea Game with Real Tea Trays
Our tea trays feature a classic design that enhances both the aesthetic and functional appeal, making them exquisite decorative pieces as well as practical items for tea ceremonies. In Chinese these trays are called Cha Pan and Hu Cheng and are an essential part of the traditional Gongfu tea ceremony, to keep your tea time tidy and classy. These trays are crafted from various materials, offering both aesthetic and practical benefits to suit different tastes and home decor.
What are the different types of Tea Trays
Chinese tea trays come in two main types: those with a built-in drainage system (Cha Pan) and those that act as a base for teapots (Hu Cheng). The colour of these trays, ranging from deep mahogany to vibrant hand-painted hues, adds to their visual appeal and cultural significance. Both serve different purposes depending on the brewing method, dry or wet.
Cha Pan: The Gongfu Tea Tray with Drainage
The Cha Pan is a tea tray with a built-in drainage system, available in classic colors like brown, making it an essential tool for wet brewing and suitable for traditional tea ceremonies. Wet brewing means pouring hot water over the teapot and teaware, which often results in water spilling onto the tray. The Cha Pan catches this excess water, so it doesn’t spill onto your table and keeps your tea station tidy. This tray is bigger and more robust, can hold the teapot, cups, a fair cup and other tools used in Gongfu tea brewing.
- For Wet Brewing: The Cha Pan is the focal point of wet brewing, so you can focus on the tea brewing without worrying about water spillage.
- Built in Drainage: This means any excess water is collected and drained away, so your tea space is tidy and functional.
- Versatile and Roomy: Can hold multiple pieces of teaware, perfect for more elaborate tea ceremonies.
Hu Cheng: For Dry Brewing
The Hu Cheng tea tray is smaller and simpler, for dry brewing methods where minimal water is used. It’s a base to lift the teapot above the table, to protect both the teapot and the table from heat damage. It can catch some water, but not as much as a Cha Pan. The Hu Cheng is for those who want a more minimalist approach to tea brewing. This versatile serving tray is useful in different scenarios, such as setting the table, serving breakfast in bed, and carrying drinks, catering to both practical and leisurely activities.
- For Dry Brewing: When you only need to keep the Gaiwan and fair cup dry, the Hu Cheng is a practical and stylish solution.
- Compact and Portable: Smaller size makes it easy to use and store, perfect for daily tea brewing.
- Protective Design: Lifts the teapot, to prevent heat damage to your table and to keep your teaware safe.
Which Tea Tray is Right for You
When choosing a tea tray, consider the type of brewing you will be doing. A tea tray set is essential for creating an ideal tea party atmosphere, highlighting both its decorative and functional aspects. If you wet brew or do the full Gongfu tea ceremony, a Cha Pan is a must have. For simpler daily tea sessions, a Hu Cheng is more suitable due to its smaller size and ease of use.
Aesthetic and Practical Value of Tea Trays
Beyond their practical benefits, tea trays add a touch of class and tradition to your tea ceremonies. The long history of tea consumption in China has greatly influenced the design and significance of tea trays, reflecting the rich cultural and artistic heritage associated with tea brewing. Whether you like the bigger and more intricate designs of a Cha Pan or the minimalist style of a Hu Cheng, each tray is a reflection of Chinese tea culture.
