New and Antique Chinese Tea Set Offers

Written 17 May , 2010

One of the most celebrated and widely-known of ancient Chinese tradition is the art of making and drinking tea. The health benefits derived from drinking tea have not only been proven by this age-old tradition but by numerous medical researches as well so that ceremonial tea drinking still maintains a superior status even in this modern day and age.

The traditional chinese tea set usually includes the following pieces:

• A teapot
• Teacups and saucers
• A milk pitcher, also called a jug or creamer
• Sugar bowls

A chinese tea set with tray is usually used for a formal tea service and also includes a coffee pot, a kettle and a waste or slop bowl.

Basically, there are two classifications of chinese tea sets and they are classified according to type of materials they are made from.

The Yixing style tea set oftentimes includes teapots and kettles which have handles as well as handleless teacups. Elaborately-designed wooden scoops for measuring the right amount of tea leaves may also be included. Yixing tea sets can be made of wood, bamboo, clay or a combination of these three materials. This style of chinese tea set with tray is still in production today and you can find numerous offers for this on the internet.

The tea set of the Gaiwan style can be simple or artistically painted and is made of porcelain. “Gaiwan” means a covered cup or bowl which is a traditional container created during the Ming dynasty. The covered cup is the hallmark of the Gaiwan style. The tea set may include a cup, a saucer, a lid and an infuser. It has a classic look, easy to use and an ideal piece for serving tea to individuals.

Both the Yixing and Gaiwan tea sets as well as other types of tea sets are being offered online by numerous merchants of modern and antique Oriental wares. Hundreds of photos of different chinese tea sets are posted on their websites so you can choose the kind that suits your taste and purpose. Check out various merchant websites and pick the one that offers you the best deal which may include a refund policy and free delivery.

You may prefer a tea set with a more traditional design or you may prefer a set with a modern look. Whichever chinese tea set style you choose, you’ll be proud to show it off whenever you serve a cup of this healthy drink.