Cha Dao (茶道, "the way of tea") is the name for the set of gong fu tea tools used to handle leaves during brewing. A classic set keeps its tools together in a matching stand, so everything you need sits neatly beside your teapot and tea tray. As much a cultural object as a practical one, a Cha Dao set is made for everyday brewing and for display.

A classic Chinese tea tool set usually includes: a funnel (Cha Lou), which widens the teapot mouth so leaves go in without spilling; a tea pin(Cha Zhen), for breaking leaves off a compressed cake or brick and for clearing the spout; a Cha Ze(tea scoop), for measuring and tipping leaves into the pot; a pair of tweezers(Cha Jia), for lifting hot cups and removing spent leaves; and, in the larger sets, a small tea brush and a cup holder. All are kept in the matching holder or stand.

Our sets come in a range of materials and styles, so you can match one to your table. Tools are made from smooth natural bamboo or richer dark hardwood, and holders in fine Chinese ceramic or genuine Yixing zisha clay. Designs run from painted lotus, bamboo ink-art and cheerful birds to calligraphy pieces carrying characters such as Wu (悟, enlightenment), Jing (静, tranquillity) and Fu (福, happiness). Their classic look pairs easily with almost any gong fu tea set.

What tools are in a Cha Dao set?

A typical set has a funnel, a tea pin, a Cha Ze (scoop) and tweezers, held in a matching stand. Larger sets also add a tea brush and a cup holder.

What is the Cha Ze used for?

The Cha Ze is a tea scoop, traditionally used to measure dry leaves and tip them gently into the teapot without touching them by hand.

Will a Cha Dao set match my tea set?

Yes — the classic shapes suit almost any gong fu table. Pair one with your Yixing zisha teapot, tea cups and tea tray.

Do you ship across Australia?

Yes — every Cha Dao set is dispatched from Sydney and ships across Australia. Orders over $100 ship free.