For more than one century, tea drinking has been recognized as a symbol of hospitality, friendliness and comfort of most peoples. In some of them, this process is elevated to the rank of ceremonial and takes place according to strict traditions and rituals. For ceremonies, not only selected varieties of tea are used, but also special dishes. And the event itself creates a picture of a bewitching performance with the participation of professional "actors". Sets designed for a cozy, secluded tea party include a tea pair.
The state that gave birth to the tea pair and spread it everywhere is Taiwan, and then not its mainland, but the island. Only there, in the second half of the 20th century, did the first tea parties originate using strange dishes at that time. The impetus for the creation was tea competitions held throughout the country. Growing tea bushes, manufacturers did not attach much importance to the taste characteristics of the drink, but used it as an aromatic liquid for drinking food or accompanying a pleasant conversation. But the annual competition for the best tea, with a large prize fund of 50,000 Taiwan dollars for 600 grams of raw materials, has brought a spirit of competition to the ranks of entrepreneurs. They began to improve the quality of the grown material every year in order to get the desired amount.
And in order to reveal the taste properties of fragrant tea as deeply and better as possible, a tea pair was invented. At that time, it consisted of two objects: a narrow glass and a wide, round bowl. Who exactly created such an interesting set is still unknown. But he was a truly great connoisseur and connoisseur of oolong tea.
The process of using such teaware was as follows:
It was also believed that during this ceremony (during the turn and removal of the cup), one should make a wish, and it will certainly come true.
Such a ceremony was carried out pointwise and did not have a large-scale scope. But with the transition of Taiwan from an agrarian state to an industrial-industrial state, its popularity gradually grew. After 10 years, it has already become known in many countries.
Currently, in parallel with the old double set, designed for brewing oolong tea, a standard tea set has appeared, which is used for other types of tea. Currently, a tea pair consists of a cup and a saucer that fits perfectly under it. But, unlike everyday tea drinking, drinking from a tea pair provides for a more sincere and sedate meal at a table served according to the rules of etiquette from beautiful, expensive dishes.
The cup itself is a round bowl with a handle. The volume is 200-250 ml. The saucer is predominantly recessed, allowing you to drink a hot drink directly from it. In addition to tea, such utensils are also used for other liquids, such as chocolate, cocoa.
Design and decoration of such sets differ from each other. Moreover, according to the applied pattern, ornament, color or architectural style, the color of the country of the manufacturer is recognized. So:
In parallel with them, strict neutral or monochromatic products are used without decoration or with minimal trim in the form of edging or a few strokes. By this appearance it is difficult to determine the country of manufacture. But such a product is also popular among adherents of strict traditions.
The most high-quality and expensive of the representatives of the dishes are porcelain. They are both practical and aesthetic. The structurally strong material creates the illusion of fragility and subtlety thanks to quartz that glows when exposed to sunlight.
The second place in terms of quality and cost is occupied by faience products. It is also of high quality due to the introduction of some low-cost ingredients that are safe for human health into the technological process.
At the third stage are products made of various types of ceramics, which differ both in quality and in cost.
The design of tea utensils is an unimaginable flight of fantasy masters, embodied in reality. A pattern or ornament is applied to tea pairs manually or automatically. Hand painting is unique in itself, and also virtually eliminates repetition. Each stroke of such a pattern is individual and exclusive.
Manufacturers who produce high-quality bone china tableware also prefer appropriate hand-crafted decoration. In its implementation, precious metals are used. Their list consists of:
Products covered with paintings from these materials look very rich and luxurious.
According to the variety of drawing styles, there are:
Currently, the most famous countries with well-known brands for the production of kitchenware are:
The sequence of states in this list indicates a decrease in the cost of goods produced. So, China supplies the cheapest products.
Depending on the raw material and the applied design, the care of tea pairs is different.In the case of using resistant paints when decorating dishes, they can be placed in dishwashers and microwave ovens. The presence of metal in the applied pattern excludes the use of microwaves, but it is possible to use dishwashers in some cases.
Virtually all bone china sets are prohibited from being placed in electrical kitchen equipment, and only manual cleaning is preferred. To eliminate minor contamination, experts recommend using a non-aggressive soft material soaked in an vinegar or soda solution. For deeper cleaning, from time to time, place objects in similar solutions for a while, followed by cleaning with a soft cloth or sponge. Such a regular procedure ensures the long-term preservation of the original whiteness of the dishes and their strength.
Based on numerous reviews of experts and ordinary consumers, the list of the most popular tea pairs includes products of various price categories and countries of origin.
In most cases, Chinese-made products belong to this price segment, although some Danish manufacturers are also among them. The ware combines worthy quality and reasonable price.
Tea set of the famous Danish brand Greengate, one of the representatives of a large number of collection items. A fairly young manufacturing company that entered the world market in 2016, thanks to the excellent quality of products, as well as its thoughtful design, very quickly gained widespread popularity.Tea pairs "Alice pale pink", created in delicate pastel colors, have a wavy surface, which gives them weightlessness and magnificence.
The sets look beautiful both as an independent table setting attribute and in combination with items that have a floral pattern. In the case of bright dishes, Greengate products will dilute the saturation of the “picture” and give the feast a more delicate and light atmosphere.
The pair is made in a classic style and solid color. A special charm is given to the cup by a graceful handle, which allows the object to be comfortably placed in the hand and prevents skin from contacting the hot surface.
The material from which the product is made is porcelain. It is high quality, durable and chip resistant. This product is dishwasher and microwave safe.
The set can be presented as a gift option. For this, a corresponding box is provided.
A magnificent bone china tea pair is introduced to the consumer market by the Chinese brand DG-home. The classic style of the product allows it to be used universally and meet standard customer requirements. The relief surface of the saucer gives the objects incredible weightlessness. A colorful bird print adds an eye-catching touch to the cup. The design, complemented by a thin gilded edging of the saucer and handle, provides a unique charm and sophistication. The product can be washed in dishwashers, but must not be placed in microwave ovens.The Welle set can be chosen as a wonderful gift option for any occasion.
This model is part of the collection line of goods of the famous Chinese company Anna Lafarg. Its products are made in the style of timeless classics from high-quality bone china. Excellent whiteness, glossy, wavy surface of the dishes gives it sophistication, elegance, sophistication. Magnolia flowers applied on the inside and outside of the cup and saucer give a special uniqueness to the pair. Beautiful, thoughtful design allows the product to enter the category of gifts.
Products of this brand are not intended for use in microwaves and dishwashers.
Tea pairs of the Chinese brand Maxwell & Williams are in great demand. Products with a rich background and a bright floral print will become unsurpassed favorites of the table and will put you in a festive mood. Made in country style, the set fills the surrounding space with a play of colors. The high-quality porcelain of which the cup and saucer are made provides practicality and aesthetic pleasure. This combination of color and shape of the pair will harmoniously fit into any modern design. The Kimono set cannot be used in a microwave or dishwasher.
This model is a representative of the modern trend of the Chinese brand DG-home, made in a classic style. It embodies the spirit of the times and keeps up with fashion trends. Made of rough ceramic with some wear on the glaze, the pair will make an excellent original composition with almost any modern interior. Such a design and raw materials allow for a long time to keep the drink at the required temperature and not burn your hands when touching the cup. The "highlight" of this set is the presence of an elegant decor in the form of a monogram-lily. The composition "Tess cream" can make an excellent gift option.
The big advantage of this cookware is that it can be used in the microwave and dishwasher.
The refined and refined bone china model is presented by the Chinese brand DG-home. The snow-white, glossy surface of the products, covered with an interesting pattern that combines a simple ornament and painting in the form of a chain with pendants, makes a great impression. Light blotches of gilding bring grandeur and luxury to the overall look. Such a set will decorate the serving of a solemn tea party and bring maximum pleasure from use. The Veluche set will serve as a worthy gift option.
This product is dishwasher safe, but microwave ovens should be avoided.
The classic snow-white high-quality porcelain cup and saucer set has a truly royal grandeur and luxury. Deviating from the standard shape, the corner-handled cup configuration brings a new twist to the traditional format. Delicate gilded pattern, covering a small surface area of products, is admirable and gives the pair sophistication and sophistication. The Celebras tea set will be the center of attention of any serving, and drinking from it will bring many magical moments. This pair, as a gift, will be a wonderful choice.
Celebras products are dishwasher safe, but not microwave safe.
The attractive shape of the tea pair of the Chinese manufacturer of the DG-home brand attracts the attention of a large number of buyers. It is made in Art Nouveau style of bone china, which provides it with impeccable whiteness and practicality. Durable and chip-resistant raw material pleases its owners for a long time with excellent appearance and aesthetic properties. A simple pattern applied to the entire surface of the cup and a two-color coating of the saucer, a successful combination of colors create an original composition of the entire set. The final touch is a gold-plated handle. From the couple "Fecho" breathes comfort and warmth of communication. High quality and simplicity of form are the key to the success of this model.
This item is dishwasher safe, but not microwave safe.
This model of the Chinese production of the previous brand has gained great popularity with an unusual shape of the cup. Its extended, low configuration and elongated handle completely redefine conventional standards. Made in a timeless classic style, the set is always in trend. Thoughtful and embodied design allows hot tea to cool faster and give additional convenience when drinking. High-quality bone china provided the tea pair with excellent whiteness, fine, glossy, even texture. A minimal, refined, with a unique selection of color combinations, the pattern gives the objects sophistication, sophistication and grace. This pair will look great as a gift.
Flambee cookware is dishwasher safe but not microwave safe.
The beautiful shape and original color design of this tea pair has sunk into the hearts of many consumers. This set will truly become the center of attraction for the attention of all those around you. Delicate pastel colors in combination with brighter colors of the same range captivate with extraordinary and aesthetic pleasure.The ceramics used in the production of this product is in no way inferior in quality to porcelain. It also gives products a snowy whiteness and gloss. And the grainy structure of the surface, with a superb gold finish, evokes admiration and a desire to touch. In a gift box, this set will appeal to everyone.
The Arista pair is dishwasher safe, but excludes microwave use.
The widest range of tea pairs presented at the trading floors intrigue and delight, make you want to buy and enjoy the splendor of fragrant tea, combined with the beautiful design of porcelain products.