Cha Ze(Tea Scoop)
The "Six Gentlemen" of the Tea Ceremony: The Charm and History of the Tea Scoop
The term "tea scoop" (or *chaze*) may sound a bit unusual, yet it plays an indispensable role in our daily tea-brewing rituals. As the name implies, it is a tool used to measure out tea leaves. Before brewing, placing the leaves on the scoop to admire their appearance and inhale their aroma offers a unique pleasure.
As early as in *The Classic of Tea* (*Cha Jing*), Lu Yu meticulously designed twenty-four types of tea implements; among them, the tea spoon, tea needle, tea strainer, tea tongs, tea scoop, and tea cylinder came to be known as the "Six Gentlemen" of the tea ceremony. In the section titled "Chapter Four: Utensils," Lu Yu wrote: "The *ze* [scoop] may be fashioned from seashells or oyster shells, or from copper, iron, bamboo, spoons, or spatulas. The *ze* serves to measure, gauge, and determine quantity." This passage not only explains the function of the tea scoop but also notes that it can be crafted from materials ranging from seashells and oyster shells to copper, iron, and bamboo.
In everyday life, many people habitually grab tea leaves directly from the package with their hands. This transfers sweat from the skin to the leaves; even if one washes their hands, residual moisture—or simply the contact itself—can affect the tea's flavor. Using a tea scoop avoids direct hand contact, thereby minimizing the risk of tainting the tea with foreign odors. Naturally, this requires the scoop itself to be kept clean and dry.
Without a tea scoop, it is impossible to consistently measure the amount of tea used. The tea scoop is not merely a practical tool but also a work of art. Much like the *Zisha* (purple clay) teapot, it can incorporate poetry, calligraphy, painting, and seal carving to become a composite artistic masterpiece. Placed upon the tea setting, a tea scoop serves as a striking focal point. While ancient Chinese tea enthusiasts did not always focus heavily on the creation of tea scoops per se, one can find extraordinary artistic expression in the related form of the scholar's "arm rest" (*bi'ge*).
Tea drinking is an elegant pursuit, and the form of the tea scoop should reflect that elegance. Chinese aesthetics do not dwell on trivial sentiments or minor amusements; rather, they emphasize finding the vast within the small. Within a space often less than a foot in length, artistic techniques such as poetry, calligraphy, painting, and sculpture are employed to reveal a much larger world—or even the universe itself.
Stone Texture Tin Tea Scoop
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!
Steeping photo
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.
