Fairness Cup And Strainer

1. The fairness cup holds the lea before it is poured into individual tea cups. This lends a uniform flavor to the tea.
2. The strainer, placed on top, prevents the tea leaves from falling into the cup. When not m use. place on its stand or against the tea tray.
3. If the fairness cup has a straining device then the strainer is unnecessary.
4. If the teapot has a straining device then (he strainer is unnecessary.

Tea Tips
The strainer is frequently blocked by tea dust and tea dregs. Therefore, dean and rinse carefully after use.

Handling The Teapot

Handling the teapot is not an easy task. It requires technique to hold the teapot comfortably without getting scalded. Handle the teapot with such ease that even others feel comfortable.
Hold the handle with the thumb and third finger and lift the teapot, lightly pressing the lid of the teapot with the second finger. Make sure not to block the air hole. Press the fourth finger against the handle and tuck in the little finger.
A beginner can choose to hold the teapot with both hands. Press the top of the lid with the third finger of one hand, and hold the handle of the teapot with the thumb, second finger and third finger of the other hand.

Other ways of handling the teapot
1. Hook the handle of the teapot with the third finger and hold it tightly using the thumb. Tuck in the fourth and last finger and lightly press the second finger on the top of the teapot.
2. Hook the handle with the second and third finger. Lightly press the thumb on the top of the teapot.

Dos and Don'ts:
1. While brewing tea, avoid placing the teapot such that the spout laces guest.
2. Never block the air hole on the lid.

Tea Tips
Use porcelain, clay or glass teapots in the same way as Zisha teapots. Choose a tea set with care; always choose a size and weight that is easy to handle.

Heating The Tea Bowl

The tea bowl is also known as "the bowl of three elements". The lid represents the sky; the saucer represents the earth while the tea bowl itself represents man. Therefore, brewing tea in a tea bowl represents the merging of the sky, earth and human beings amid the sweet fragrance of the tea. We cannot use the lid, bowl and saucer separately. Putting aside the saucer and lid to use only the tea bowl for brewing tea, is not only inappropriate and inelegant, but also very impolite.
When brewing tea in a covered tea bowl, you can inhale the fragrance from both the lid and the tea liquid. There is more information on using the tea bowl for aroma and tea appreciation in the chapter Jasmine Tea.

Warming the tea bowl
1. Hold the base of the bowl with the left hand and the lid with the right hand. Turn the bowl anticlockwise for one full circle (similar to the glass cup).
2. Take off the lid of the bowl and hold it at an angle to the bowl. Drain the water in the bowl into the basin against the lid, slowly turning the lid with the right hand.

Warming The Tea Glass

Plain and transparent glass is widely used to brew tea in order to allow the tea drinker to admire the  "dance of the tea leaves." Its thick base can withstand high temperatures. The volume of the glass cups should be approximately between 150-200 ml. Whether you are warming the cup or offering the tea, hold the cup with both hands.

Holding the teacup

The three methods of Support the base of the cup with one hand and wrap the other warming the cup:

Support the base of the cup with one hand and wrap the other hand around the mid section.

Method 1:

1. Hold the cup as level as possible, ensuring that the water in the cup doesn't spill out. Turn the cup anticlockwise—to the front, to the left, to the back and to the right in one full circle.

2. Pour the water from the cup into the basin.

The warming procedure and way of holding the tea cup for handleless, tube-shaped small porcelain teacups is similar to that of the glass teacup.

Method 2:

1. Hold the body of the cup with the right hand and support its base with the left, positioning it levelly.

2. Turn the cup inward with the left hand, and tilt it slowly. Pour the water into the basin.

Method 3:

1. Place the cup level on the palm of the right hand and roll it inward with the left hand.

2. At the same time, tilt the cup and pour the water inside into the basin.

Tea Towel

The tea towel is essential to the process of tea brewing. It is used in wiping both the exterior of the tea sets and the water or tea stains at the base. Choose towels that are highly absorbent when buying tea towels.

Folding the tea towel

Method 1:

1. Demarcate the towel into three equal parts, and fold from both ends.

2. Demarcate the folded towel into three equal parts.

3. Fold again inward twice and smoothen it.

4. Place the towel seam side facing the tea brewer.

Method 2:

1. Demarcate the tea towel into four equal parts and fold the two ends inward, aligned with the middle line.

2. Demarcate the folded towel in four equal parts again and repeat.

3. Fold the folded towel into two and smoothen it.

4. Place the towel seam side facing the tea brewer.

Using the tea towel

Lift the towel with both hands, thumbs on top and the remaining four fingers below. Free the right hand to hold the item to be cleaned.

Dos and Don’ts:

• Avoid using the lea towel as a dishcloth. The tea towel's purpose is to dry the exterior of the tea set or mop the water or tea stains at the base of the tea set. However, water or tea stains on the tray or table should be cleaned with other towels. Using the tea towel to clear discarded fruit peek off the table is a sign of disrespect to the guests.

• Avoid using wet tea towels. Ensure that the tea towel is dry before using

• Avoid using tea towels that are frayed, scruffy or dyed towels.

Taking Out Tea Leaves

The amount of tea leaves used depends on need. After use, seal the tea jar properly before replacing it. (In case of green tea leaves, refrigerate the jar) If there are unused tea leaves on the tea plate, do not put it back in the tea jar. Tea leaves absorb moisture from the air causing oxidization. Putting it back into the tea jar will affect the quality of the tea leaves.

Selection And Setting Of The Tea Set

Choosing the right tea set and its arrangement is very important. Use both hands in coordination when handling the Chinese tea sets, and place each item back to its original setting after use. The setting can be in the order of the brewer's preference and convenience. For example, the teapot can be placed on either side. However, if the item is placed on the right side, reach for it with the right hand, if it is on the left hand, use the left hand. Transfer if necessary. Avoid reaching across items.