Gongfu Tea Tray

Tea trays are also known as tea seas, cha pan or cha hai. These trays are used in the traditional preparation of tea called gongfu, but don’t be afraid to utilize them during your regular tea breaks. It consists of two major parts: surface, which is the top part with gaps, and bottom, which serves to catch any excess water or tea.

Tea tray dimensions:

• length: 34,5 cm
• width: 22,5 cm
• height: 6,5 cm

Instruction Manual:

Gongfu Tea Tray is designed to catch any and all spills during a tea ceremony. Here are some standards on how to properly perform one.

• Before first use, wipe down the bamboo surface with a soft damp cloth and allow to dry.
• First infusion (rinsing): Traditionally, the first infusion is to 'awaken' the tea leaves and the result is discarded. You may pour this infusion from your teapot or gaiwan into the tea tray.
• Warming the teaware: Unused hot water from warming the cups and teapots before brewing can also be simply discarded into the tray.
• Warming the teapot (optional): If you are using a traditional clay teapot from Yixing, it is customary to pour hot water over it from the outside to help it maintain stable temperature. Gongfu Tea Tray is perfectly suited for this purpose.
• Watch the capacity: During longer sampling periods with friends, remember that the tray has a limited capacity. If the ceremony takes longer, check the tray and if needed, discard the water to avoid spilling.

Cleaning & Maintenance

• Discard the water: After the tea ceremony, immediately remove the gridbars and pour out all water.
• Rinse with clean water: Clean both the bamboo gridbar and tray using clean, lukewarm water. Never use abrasive cleaning products or hard scrubbers.
• Allow to air dry: Wipe both parts using a dry soft cloth and allow both parts to separately dry in a well-ventilated place. Only assemble the parts once they are completely dry.

Safety Warning

• Not dishwasher safe: Never wash the bamboo Gongfu Tea Tray in a dishwasher. High temperatures and chemical cleaning products will irreversibly damage and warp the bamboo.
• Avoid long soaks: Never leave the Gongfu Tea Tray immersed in water.
• Watch for heat sources: Avoid drying the Gongfu Tea Tray on central heating, near fireplaces, or in direct sunlight. Fast drying may cause cracks in the material.
• Discard water immediately: If you allow water to sit in the tray for a few days, the bamboo will begin to mold and blacken.