When categorizing styles of enjoying Chinese tea, there are two main approaches: the "wet-brewing method" (shippo-ho) and the "dry-brewing method" (kanpo-ho), which differ based on how hot water is handled and the type of water-receiving vessels used.
By understanding these two styles in relation to your living environment, the size of your tea table, and the desired atmosphere for your tea session, you can create a more comfortable and personalized tea setting.
1. Characteristics and Differences: Wet-Brewing vs. Dry-Brewing
The wet-brewing and dry-brewing methods have contrasting characteristics, mainly in how water is handled and the setup of water-receiving tools.
- Wet-Brewing (Shippo-ho): This style uses a "tea tray" (chaban) equipped with a drainage hole or reservoir, allowing you to pour water over the tea ware while brewing. Because you can pour hot water over the exterior of the teapot (chahu) to maintain heat, or discard excess water directly onto the tray, you can brew tea freely without worrying about getting the area wet.
- Dry-Brewing (Kanpo-ho): This style uses vessels like a teapot stand (kosho) to ensure that as little water as possible spills onto the table. Since the table is kept clean and dry, you can lay out your favorite tea cloths or mats to create a sophisticated, refreshing space.
Neither style is inherently superior; rather, they can be used selectively depending on the situation—for example, the wet-brewing method is well-suited for lively gatherings or when ease is a priority, while the dry-brewing method is perfect for limited desk spaces or when you want to enjoy a quiet, serene atmosphere.
2. Choosing Core Tea Ware Based on Style
The choice of your primary water-receiving tool will change depending on your brewing style.
- Tea ware for Wet-Brewing: The centerpiece is a tool with sufficient water-receiving capacity. By placing a Kanjizai Tea Tray made of bamboo, wood, or stone, you can spread out your tea ware comfortably without worrying about water drainage.
- Tea ware for Dry-Brewing: It is essential to choose a teapot stand (kosho) that elegantly catches the few drops of water that fall from the base of the teapot or gaiwan. By combining a handcrafted brass or copper Daylily Tea Stand or a small One Thought Lid Rest, you can save space while highlighting the substantial, profound beauty unique to metal.
Be sure to check our guide on the differences between tea trays and teapot stands to select tools that fit seamlessly into your daily routine.
3. How to Set Up a Comfortable Space at Your Home Desk
In modern living spaces and telework desk environments, more people are adopting the dry-brewing style because it is space-saving and easy to clean up.
- Ease of Preparation and Cleanup: Compared to large tea trays that require connecting drainage pipes or washing large reservoirs, the dry-brewing method, which uses small teapot stands, requires little effort for water management, allowing you to enjoy tea casually during short breaks.
- Tips to Avoid Regret: The key to success is to measure your table dimensions in advance and grasp a clear image of your setup by following our guide on purchasing tea ware online.
Choose an extraction style that fits your lifestyle, and bring a rich, soothing tea time into your everyday life.
