What is the correct way to use the 6 Gentlemen of Tea Ceremony?

In tea culture, the six gentlemen of tea ceremony are essential tools for every tea lover. They are not only tools for making tea, but also helpers in the process of tasting tea.

Although their names sound very high-end, many people have misunderstandings about their usage.

Here, the correct usage of the six gentlemen of tea ceremony has been prepared, so that you can be more handy when making tea and improve your tea art level.

1. Tea Spreader

Misconception: Tea spreader, like tea holder, is used to appreciate the appearance of dry tea.

Many people think that tea spreader is only used to hold dry tea, but in fact, its function is far more than that.

✅Correct answer: In addition to holding dry tea, tea spreader is also used to take and measure tea.

Tea spreader plays a vital role in taking tea. When we take tea, we can use the tea spreader to reach into the tea can to take the tea leaves, avoiding grabbing them directly with our hands. This not only makes the tea-taking process cleaner, but also maintains the quality of the tea leaves.

How to use:

When taking tea, gently put the tea spreader into the tea can and take out the right amount of tea leaves.

This not only keeps the tea leaves clean, but also helps you measure the amount of tea leaves to ensure the right amount of tea leaves.

2. Tea needles

Misconception: Tea needles can be used to pry tea cakes and tea bricks.

Tea needles are often misunderstood by tea lovers as tools that can be used to pry tea cakes and tea bricks. In fact, this is a common misunderstanding.

✅Correct answer: The tea needles of Liujunzi are not the same as the tea needles used to pry tea.

The tea needles of Liujunzi are mainly used to dredge the inner net of the teapot to keep the water flowing smoothly. When the spout of the teapot is blocked by tea leaves, the tea needle can be used to dredge it, so it is also called "tea dredging".

The tea needles of Liujunzi are generally made of bamboo and wood, while the tea needles for prying tea are usually made of metal.

How to use:

When making tea, if you find that the water flow of the teapot is not smooth, you can use a tea needle to gently dredge the spout to ensure that the tea flows smoothly.

3. Tea strainer

Misconception: Tea strainer and tea filter are the same thing.

Many tea lovers tend to confuse tea strainer and tea filter, thinking that they are the same tool.

✅Correct answer: The function of tea strainer is to place it on the mouth of the pot when placing tea, expand the area of ​​the mouth of the pot, guide the tea into the pot, and prevent the tea leaves from falling out of the pot.

The tea strainer has no filter, while the tea filter has a filter, which is usually placed on the fairness cup to filter the tea residue during brewing and separate the tea from the tea soup.

How to use:

When pouring tea, place the tea strainer on the mouth of the pot to ensure that the tea soup flows smoothly into the tea cup, and the tea leaves will not fall out of the pot, keeping the table clean.

4. Tea canister

Misconception: A tea canister is something like a pen holder, which is a utensil for storing tea leaves; or it is a tea jar, a utensil for waking up tea leaves.

The purpose of a tea canister is often misunderstood as a utensil for storing tea leaves.

✅Correct answer: A tea canister should be called a tea utensil canister, which is used to hold tea art supplies, not tea leaves.

The tea canister is designed to store tea ceremony tools, not tea leaves themselves.

How to use:

Put the utensils needed for tea ceremony, such as tea spoons and tea needles, into the tea canister to keep the tea utensils clean and easy to use.

5. Tea clip

Misconception: Tea clips can be used to pick up tea leaves.

Many people think that the main function of tea clips is to pick up tea leaves, but this understanding is not comprehensive.

✅Correct answer: Tea clips are often used to hold tea cups for washing.

The function of tea clips is to prevent the tea bowl from getting hot, and also to prevent hands from contaminating the tea bowl. Using tea clips can make it more convenient and safer for you to wash the cup.

How to use:

When washing tea cups, you can use tea clips to hold the tea cups to avoid direct contact with hot cups and protect your hands.

6. Teaspoon

Misconception: A spoon is used to scoop soup, so a teaspoon is also used to scoop tea soup.

Many people may think that there is no difference between a teaspoon and a spoon, but in fact, the design of a teaspoon has its special purpose.

✅Correct answer: A teaspoon is often used to push tea leaves from a tea tray or tea spoon into a pot, so it is also called a tea spoon.

The shape of a teaspoon is not suitable for scooping soup, but a tool for accurately taking tea.

How to use:

When taking tea, use a teaspoon to reach into the tea can to take the tea leaves, which not only avoids grabbing directly with your hands, but also can measure the amount of tea to ensure the right amount of tea is added.

In conclusion

Each of the six gentlemen of the tea ceremony has its own unique function and usage.

Understanding their correct usage can not only improve your tea art level, but also allow you to better enjoy the charm of tea during the tea tasting process.

In addition, the materials of the "Six Gentlemen of the Tea Ceremony" are not the more expensive the better. The tea ceremony emphasizes natural tranquility, peace and relief, so it is recommended that you use utensils made of bamboo and wood. This will not only look grand and natural, but also create a better tea tasting atmosphere.

Finally, the maintenance of the six gentlemen is also particularly important. After use, wipe them clean or wash and dry them to avoid the tea residue and tea soup that are contaminated by the current use affecting the next use.

Respect the tea utensils with the friendship of gentlemen and let them play their correct role!