Chinese tea drainage tray

Types of Chinese tea drainage trays

The Chinese tea drainage trays are known for their beauty and utility. They are an important part of the tea ceremony. They collect and drain the water from the teapots and cups. Here are some key types to know.

• Beijing Drainage Tray

  Beijing drainage trays are made of fine wood and have a round shape. They are about 20 cm in diameter. Small holes in the middle let water out. The edge is usually decorated with carvings of flowers or birds. It shows the elegance of the capital city. People use this tray for serving tea in small amounts.

• Sichuan Drainage Tray

  The Sichuan drainage tray is larger, around 30 cm wide, and oval. It is also made of wood, but from the Sichuan region, so it is more durable. The surface is flat with shallow grooves to guide water to the edges. It can hold many teacups at once and is used in big tea houses or restaurants where lots of tea is served quickly.

• Yunnan Drainage Tray

  The Yunnan drainage tray is about 25 cm wide and round, made from bamboo. It has a woven look, showing the craftsmanship of bamboo workers. The center is concave, causing water to collect there before flowing off through the woven material's spaces. This eco-friendly tray suits serving Pu-erh tea, famous in Yunnan for its natural style.

Design of Chinese tea drainage trays

• Form

  Tea drainage trays come in a variety of shapes to suit different tastes and decor styles. Common forms include round, square, and rectangular. Round trays are often associated with harmony and unity, while square and rectangular trays represent stability and balance. Additionally, some trays have free-form designs that mimic natural elements, making them more artistic and unique.

• Texture

  The texture of a tea drainage tray plays an important role in its visual appeal and tactile experience. Common textures include smooth, carved, woven, and inlaid. A smooth tray provides a sense of elegance and simplicity, while a carved tray showcases the craftsmanship of the designer. A woven texture may be created with rattan or bamboo material, imparting a natural and rustic feel, and an inlaid texture may use materials such as mother-of-pearl or metal to create a more luxurious and detailed visual effect.

• Color

  The color of a tea drainage tray is an important aspect of its design, and it may vary according to material and style. Traditional wooden trays often exhibit natural wood colors, with some trays applying color glazing to enhance visual appeal. Ceramic trays, on the other hand, may come in a variety of colors, such as white, blue, green, or red, depending on the choice of glaze and the application technique. Metal trays usually have colors such as silver, gold, or black, presenting a sense of elegance and modernity.

• Decoration

  The decoration of a tea drainage tray may add an artistic and cultural touch to the product. Traditional Chinese paintings may be used to depict elements such as landscapes, flowers, birds, and figures on ceramic or wooden trays. Calligraphy may also be applied to convey the beauty of words. Additionally, some trays are decorated with inlay work, carving, or other decorative techniques to enhance their visual appeal.

• Edge design

  The edge of a tea drainage tray is designed to prevent tea water from flowing out of the tray. The height and angle of the edge are important considerations. If the edge is too low, tea water may spill out of the tray; if the angle is too vertical, it may be inconvenient to place or remove teapots and cups. Ideally, the edge should be of moderate height and have a slight incline, making it easy to handle while effectively containing the tea water within the tray.

Scenarios of Chinese tea drainage tray

Chinese tea trays are essential in many industries and have various applications.

• Commercial industry

  In the commercial industry, Chinese tea drainage trays are used in tea houses, hotels, restaurants, and other commercial establishments. They provide a clean and organized surface for serving tea to customers. Chinese tea trays create a pleasant tea-drinking experience for customers. They also collect excess water from teapots and cups. This prevents water from pooling on the tabletops and keeps the area dry. The drainage trays are important for maintaining cleanliness and preventing water damage to furniture in busy commercial settings.

• Retail industry

  In the retail industry, Chinese tea trays are used as display items in stores and shopping malls. They elegantly present different types of teas and tea sets, attracting customers to purchase them. The tea trays can also serve as decorative items for customers' homes. They showcase the artistry and craftsmanship of traditional Chinese culture.

• Healthcare industry

  In the healthcare industry, Chinese wooden tea trays are used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) clinics and wellness centers. They serve herbal teas to patients or clients who undergo acupuncture, massage, or other TCM therapies. The tea trays create a calm and clean space for practitioners to work with their patients or clients. This enhances the overall therapeutic experience.

• Education industry

  In the education industry, Chinese tea drainage trays are used in cultural exchange programs, language schools, and other educational institutions. Trainers use tea trays to teach students about traditional Chinese tea ceremonies and customs. The tea trays help students learn about Chinese culture and language in a practical and engaging way.

• Art industry

  In the art industry, Chinese tea drainage trays are used as canvases for artists and craftspeople. They can paint or carve on the trays to create unique works. The drainage trays become expressions of traditional Chinese art styles. They also preserve cultural heritage. Tea trays can also be used in calligraphy classes or workshops. They allow students to practice writing characters or phrases on a smooth wooden surface.

How to choose a Chinese tea drainage tray

• Purpose and Use:

  When choosing a Chinese tea drainage tray, the first thing to consider is its purpose and use. One needs to ask oneself questions, such as: Why do I need this tea drainage tray? What functions should it serve for me? How will I be using it?

  If the tea tray is mainly used for aesthetic display purposes, one may prioritize visual appeal, elegant design, and style. However, if the tea tray is primarily used for practical functions, one should ensure that it adequately collects drainage water, contains spilled water, and facilitates easy cleaning and maintenance. Does the drainage system empty out the collected water easily?

  One also needs to consider how the tea drainage tray will be used. Will it be used for large gatherings with many guests or small, intimate solo tea sessions? Is it meant to showcase fine tea wares in a public space like a teahouse or gallery? This will impact the size, capacity, and features one needs from the tray.

• Material and Durability:

  Chinese tea drainage trays are commonly made from materials like wood, ceramics, bamboo, or metal. Each material has its advantages. For example, wooden trays offer a warm, natural feel and last long if maintained well. Ceramic trays are visually appealing and easy to clean. Bamboo trays are eco-friendly and lightweight, while metal ones are sturdy and sleek.

  One should think about factors like the material's longevity, how well it withstands wear and tear, and its ability to handle water without warping or rusting. Consider which material will remain in good condition over time, especially if used frequently.

• Size and Capacity:

  The Chinese tea drainage tray should be the right size for the space one has. It should also have enough capacity to collect all the water for as long as one plans to have tea. If one usually hosts many people at once, ensure the tray can hold all the cups without overflowing.

  One also needs to consider how much space the drainage tray will occupy when not in use. Will it fit conveniently into a cupboard or storage area? Is it compact enough to store without hassle?

• Aesthetic Appeal:

  Does the drainage tray go well with the other tea wares and the overall decor of the space where it will be used? Is it pleasing to the eyes? One should consider the tea tray's design, color, and visual appeal so that it adds beauty to the tea ceremony instead of clashing with the other elements.

• Ease of Maintenance:

  How easy is the Chinese tea drainage tray to clean? Does it have features that make maintenance simple? Consider whether the tray needs special care or if its design allows for convenient daily upkeep.

Q&A

Q1: What is the purpose of a tea drainage tray?

A1: The tea drainage tray collects excess water and tea spill during tea preparation. It keeps the area clean and prevents water damage to furniture.

Q2: What materials are commonly used for Chinese tea drainage trays?

A2: Chinese tea drainage trays are usually made from bamboo, wood, ceramic, or metal. Bamboo and wood trays have a traditional look, while ceramics and metals are more durable and easy to clean.

Q3: How do users maintain their drainage trays?

A3: Users should regularly wipe their drainage trays with a damp cloth and mild soap before rinsing them under clean water and drying them thoroughly. Wooden or bamboo trays may need occasional oiling to prevent cracking, while ceramic or metal trays should be cleaned of any stuck-on stains.

Q4: Can drainage trays be used for other purposes?

A4: Yes, drainage trays can serve different purposes, such as collecting water from utensils or as decorative items to display candles or plants.