Untersetzer
Tea Coaster: An Elegant Cradle for the Tea Bowl
The tea Coaster—also known as a *zhantuo* (cup stand) or *chachuan* (tea boat)—serves as a silent yet elegant guardian within the tea setting. Though not the central focus, it bears the weight of millennia of tea culture and etiquette with a gentle, refined grace.
Originating in the Southern Dynasties and taking definitive form during the Tang Dynasty, the tea saucer was born of practical ingenuity aimed at preventing scalded fingers. Legend has it that the daughter of Cui Ning, a chancellor of the Shu Kingdom, devised a clever solution to the heat of the tea cup: she used a wax ring to secure the cup onto a small plate. Artisans later refined this design by replacing the wax with a lacquer ring, establishing a standard style. From the lotus-petal designs on Eastern Jin celadon and the curled lotus-leaf rims of the Tang Dynasty to the sky-blue, high-footed saucers of the Song Dynasty’s Ru ware—and finally evolving into the boat-shaped "tea boat" of the Ming and Qing eras, symbolizing a "smooth, auspicious journey"—the form of the tea saucer has shifted alongside changing tea-drinking customs. Every curve bears the aesthetic imprint of its era.
In terms of materials, tea Coaster display a remarkable diversity. The lustrous, jade-like quality of porcelain, the solemn, weathered air of metal, the rustic stability of Yixing purple clay, the natural freshness of bamboo and wood, and even the dreamlike translucence of crystal—all are transformed into art in the hands of skilled craftsmen. Among the various motifs, the lotus pattern is the most common; it harmonizes with the pure, serene concept that "tea and Zen share the same essence" while also embodying the spirit of the *junzi* (noble scholar) who likens his virtues to the purity of jade.
Anti-scald Teacup Coaster Kung Fu Tea Cup Mat
Butterfly Orchid Coaster
Palace Openwork Lotus Tea Coasters
Let customers speak for us
from 1640 reviewsSlightly smaller than I had expected, but that’s my fault. A beautiful and delicate teapot, nonetheless. I have yet to use her as I’m busy with work, but I look forward to trying it out! She’s a beauty to have, and the staff was so kind and amazing too!
The mouthfeel of this Biluochun is exceptionally fine and smooth. Its standout feature is the subtle, airy orchid fragrance, making for a truly comforting experience.
I'm very, very happy with this product. I am so often disappointed with online purchases so I did not have high expectations. It was delightful to open the delivery box and see that this product is exactly as described. Same color, materials as expected, etc. When I put my little tea set in, it fit snugly and I feel confident it should transport it safely wherever I go.
I bought 2 more items at the same time - they all arrived together and were all as expected. Considering this is shipped from China, it also arrived within a very reasonable amount of time.
Very glad I found this store. :)
This is high quality, looks great, fits my little set perfectly
Exactly as pictured, a lovely item. My tea set fits snugly in it, I feel it will be safe.
Suddenly, the comfiest outfit I own! The cloth is sturdy but soft. F, Height 5'9", Weight 150lbs, 36-32-36
Great introductory Gong Fu tea set. I love using it to Wulong tea outside in the summer.
Well made, portable, super light wait, beautiful design, good water storage for being such a compact size tray. Happy with the purchase
I normally prefer silver needle, but this king peony is delightful. I’ve been finding myself drinking it most days, and always looking forward to it. Definitely recommend!
I’d buy this clouds and mist tea for the leaves alone – beautiful, delicately twisted, gorgeous in the cup. Also a delightful flavor
Elegant needle leaves, even prettier than in the photo. I stepped gently in a gaiwan at 158F, and it was perfection. Subtly nutty and floral, so delicate!
This tea is exquisite. Beautiful, delicate leaves, a fresh, sweet aroma, and a lingering complex flavor. Steep it gently and a thousand flowers bloom.
This big golden needle is amazing. Full of complex dried fruit aromatics, and with a similarly unique and complicated flavor. Highly recommended!
Excelente la calidad de la tetera, que recibí. Hermosa, delicada, elegante, el diseño del filtro en su interior es muy eficaz, su tamaño es ideal para utilizarla de manera personal disfrutando de un exquisito té. La atención, la comunicación y el envío espectacular. Cuidan mucho los detalles, la presentación y toman todos los recaudos necesarios para que uno reciba el producto en excelentes condiciones. Muchas gracias MoriMa_tea por tan lindo obsequio.
