THIS SET CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH OTHER ITEMS.
TO ADD OTHER ITEMS TO THE CART, PLEASE MAKE A SEPARATE ORDER.
EACH SET IS HANDMADE AND
SHIPS BY THE MAKER, DIRECTLY FROM CHAOZHOU, CHINA 🇨🇳
ALLOW 2-3 WEEKS FOR DELIVERY.
Picture a captivating scene where rising steam dances in the air, the sound of crackling charcoal fills your ears, and a Chaozhou clay kettle clacks its lid in perfect harmony. Can you feel the excitement? Let's dive into the captivating world of Chaozhou tea traditions, where a simple stove and a clay kettle bring the tea experience to a whole new level.
When it comes to Gong Fu Cha, the Chaozhou stove and clay kettle are an absolute must-have. They hold the power to transform your tea sessions into something truly extraordinary.
Gong Fu Cha we know today originated in Chazhou centuries ago and was later taken to Taiwan, where it was heavily influenced by Japanese tea culture and was later reintroduced to China, where it continued to flourish and spread all around the world. However, the heart of Gong Fu Cha lies in Guangdong, and the brewing style in Chaozhou closely reflects the traditional approach. Chaozhou Gong Fu Cha may not boast the same extravagance as the modern-day practice, but it captures the essence of brewing tea to perfection. To embark on this tea journey, all you need are the essentials: a charcoal stove (炭炉 – Tan Lu), a Chaozhou clay kettle (砂铫 – Sha Diao), pure water, quality tea, a Chaozhou clay teapot, and three cups. These simple tools hold the power to unlock the flavors of your tea and elevate your experience. Imagine firing up the stove in your backyard or taking it on a scenic hike to brew tea amidst nature's embrace.
Many tea connoisseurs swear by the superiority of water boiled in a clay kettle over its stainless steel electric counterpart. Water boiled in the clay gives the tea more body. We encourage you to test this claim and form your own opinion. After all, the path of cha is all about embracing the joy of experimentation and discovering what resonates with your taste buds.
A kettle for boiling water should be small and refilled frequently to ensure that the water stays fresh and not overboiled. There is a Gong Fu Cha saying: "one kettle, one steeping" (一壶一泡). So the kettle that comes with this set is about 350-400ml in volume.
As you explore the enchanting world of Chaozhou tea traditions, take a moment to appreciate the significance of the Chinese poem adorning the stove:
"汲泉瀹茗，步月而归"
which translates to
"drawing spring water to brew tea, walking back under the moonlight".
The author of this poem is Zhu Quan (朱权), the Prince of Ning, son of the Hongwu Emperor of the Ming dynasty. He was a historian, military commander, musician, and playwright. Zhu Quan was also a tea connoisseur, and he authored several works on tea culture, including the famous tea treatise "茶谱" (Cha Pu).
So, embrace the Chaozhou tea aesthetic with a Chaozhou charcoal stove (Tan Lu) and clay kettle (Shao Shui Hu). Let the crackling fire and the soulful clack of the kettle transport you to a realm where tea becomes an experience like no other. May the path of cha lead you to new flavors, cherished moments, and a deeper appreciation for the art of tea.
NOTE: This set is handmade, making each piece unique and one of a kind. Thus, the set you will receive may slightly differ from the one in the photos.
NOTE: If you plan to use the Chaozhou stove indoors using charcoal, remember to prioritize safety and ensure proper ventilation. For fuel, opt for olive pit charcoal or a smokeless alternative that is free from carbon monoxide. A good alternative to charcoal is an alcohol burner.
NOTE: Avoid using detergents when cleaning.