Porcelain tea sets
A porcelain tea set brews any tea cleanly and is easy to live with.
Lay out a set for guests
Count your cups
Sets usually come with six cups. In Chinese, four sounds like 'death,' so people often avoid fours when giving gifts.
Match brewer to cups
The gaiwan should fill every cup in one pour. Tea left behind in a big brewer keeps steeping and turns bitter.
Pour through the pitcher
Empty the gaiwan into the fairness pitcher first, then fill the cups. Everyone gets the same strength.
One pour, six cups, the same for everyone.
What to look for
Overglaze enamels and gilding can contain lead, so take extra care with paint on the rim or inside. If you cannot confirm a painted set is food safe, keep it for display.
Porcelain tea sets
Hand-picked pieces are on the way.
Good to know
What comes in a Chinese porcelain tea set?
Usually a gaiwan or small teapot, a fairness pitcher and six cups. Some sets add a tray, a strainer or a tea caddy.
Is porcelain better than clay for tea?
Porcelain is more neutral. It keeps aroma clear and works with any tea, which makes it a good first set. Clay suits one dedicated tea.
Can porcelain tea sets go in the dishwasher?
Plain glazed sets usually can, but hand washing is safer. Painted or gilded sets should always be washed by hand.
