This Mutton Fat Jade Porcelain tea strainer is a functional accessory. It ensures a clean and pure brew and enhances the experience of any Gong Fu Tea Ceremony.
The handwritten calligraphy on the strainer reads "一心问茶" (Yī Xīn Wèn Chá), translating to "Approach Tea With a Focused Heart." This phrase underscores the importance of mindfulness and presence when brewing and enjoying tea. In Gong Fu Cha, tea-making is seen as a form of meditation, where each step is performed with intention and focus. The act of straining the tea is no exception — it is a moment to connect with the tea and appreciate the clarity and purity of the brew.
The strainer (Cha Lou – 茶漏) is traditionally used to catch tea leaves that might escape from the teapot during pouring. It ensures that the tea in your cup is free from small leaf particles, resulting in a clean, smooth brew. The use of a filter is especially important in Gong Fu Cha, where multiple infusions are common, and each one is meant to be savored for its clarity of flavor and appearance.
Crafted from Mutton Fat Jade Porcelain, called after famous Chinese jade, this tea strainer boasts a smooth, creamy-white surface with a slight translucency – characteristic of this fine porcelain. The material adds a touch of elegance and enhances the tea experience by ensuring that the strainer itself does not impart any unwanted flavors or aromas to the tea. Its design is both functional and beautiful, reflecting the balance of form and utility that is central to traditional tea culture.
- Material: Mutton Fat Jade Porcelain (样脂玉)
- Origin: Dehua, Fujian, China
NOTE: Teaware easily absorbs taste and aromas and should never be washed using detergents.