A Guide to Building Your Chinese Tea Tool Collection | A Step-by-Step Approach to Combining Chaze, Lid Rests, Tea Vessel Stands, and Tea Trays
When beginning your Chinese or Taiwanese tea service, you have the option of incorporating auxiliary tea tools alongside your teapot (chahu) or gaiwan. All copper tea tools by SEKIMONO are sold individually; we do not offer pre-packaged sets.
Because of this, SEKIMONO suggests that you do not need to purchase all auxiliary tools at once, but rather add them step-by-step as needed. This article provides an objective explanation of the roles, specifications, and suggested step-by-step combinations for each tool.
1. Individual Sales and the Philosophy of Modular Tool Assembly
All SEKIMONO tea tools—including chaze (from $79), lid rests ($59), tea vessel stands (from $129), and tea trays ($189)—are sold individually. Instead of purchasing pre-set items, you can select and combine the tools you need based on the scale of your tea setup and how you intend to use them.
2. Roles and Specifications of the Four Categories of Auxiliary Tea Tools
This list outlines the price ranges and dimensions of the four categories of copper tea tools offered by SEKIMONO. All pieces are crafted in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China, and feature hand-finished copper with surface patination.
| Tool Type | Number of Items | Price | Approx. Dimensions | Primary Role in Tea Service |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lid Rest | 3 total | $59 each | Approx. φ53 × H20 mm | Temporary resting place for the lid |
| Chaze (Tea Scoop) | 7 total | $79–$89 | Length approx. 112 – 185 mm | Measuring leaves and transferring to teapot |
| Tea Vessel Stand | 3 total | $129–$139 | Approx. φ192 × H30 mm | Base for placing the teapot |
| Tea Tray | 1 total (Kanjizai) | $189 | Approx. 459 × 159 × 27 mm | Stage for arranging tea ware |
3. Step-by-Step Combination Examples (A SEKIMONO Editorial Proposal)
SEKIMONO recommends not buying all auxiliary tools at once, but rather adding them incrementally as your needs evolve.
Step 1: Essential Leaf Handling and Etiquette (Chaze + Lid Rest)
Start by acquiring a "Chaze (from $79)" for clean handling of tea leaves, and a "Lid Rest ($59)" to provide a designated place for a hot lid, which will help refine your movements even in daily tea sessions.
Step 2: Establishing a Dry-Brewing Tea Session (Adding a Tea Vessel Stand)
When setting up a tea table centered around a teapot, adding a "Tea Vessel Stand (approx. φ192×H30mm, from $129)" provides a base that anchors the center of your table.
Step 3: Integrating the Entire Space (Introducing a Tea Tray)
If you wish to arrange all your tea ware in one place, introducing the rectangular "Kanjizai" tray (approx. 459×159×27mm, $189) establishes a unified domain for your entire tea service.
4. Care Instructions After Use
All SEKIMONO copper tools are hand-finished and patinated. After use, wipe away moisture with a soft cloth and store in a well-ventilated area. Please avoid using abrasive cleansers or dishwashers.
Visit the SEKIMONO Chinese Teaware Hub
You can view the full collection and a guide on how to choose your Chaze, Lid Rests, Tea Vessel Stands, and Tea Trays on our Chinese Teaware hub page.
Go to the Chinese Teaware Hub
