Cha Dao Tools
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Overview
Cha Dao ("Way of Tea") is a common name for the tools used in Gongfu Cha. Their purpose is to maintain order and cleanliness of the items during a gongfu cha ceremony or informal use. They are most often made of finished wood, bamboo, or metal. They may be sold as a set, or individually.
Types of tools
A typical set will include 6 items:
- Scoop
- Pick
- Scraper
- Tongs
- Funnel
- Tool holder
Scoop
The scoop is used to scoop a portion of tea leaves from a container, for placement in a gaiwan or teapot. This prevents human contact with the dry leaf.
Pick
The pick is used to clear wet leaves from the spout of a teapot, usually a Yixing pot. This prevents clogging or the slowing of a pour.
Scraper
The scraper may be used for multiple purposes, but most commonly it is used to scrape wet leaves from the inside of a teapot after the ceremony.
Tongs
The tongs are the most widely used, and possibly most important Cha Dao tool. They are used to pick up objects without human contact, which may include cups being cleaned in a Cha Xi, hot teapot lids, or cups after being used by a guest.
Funnel
The funnel is placed on top of a teapot, and is used to funnel leaves inside and prevent accidental spilling of leaf.
Tool holder
This is used to hold all the aforementioned Cha Dao tools. It is frequently shaped like a vase or an open box.
