Chaozhou Red Clay Tea Boat

The Chaozhou tea boat is a part of the Chaozhou Gongfu tea set, also called a tea tray or dried-brew tea table. It is essentially a container or tray designed to hold a teapot or gaiwan during the tea-making process. Its primary function is to collect the overflow of water and tea during the rinsing, warming of the teaware, and brewing stages. This not only helps in maintaining cleanliness and order during the tea ceremony but also serves a practical purpose by ensuring the teapot or gaiwan is evenly heated, enhancing the tea's flavor.

Chaozhou red clay, also known as Chaozhou Zhu Ni, is the primary material used in making Chaozhou handmade teapots. It originates from Chaozhou City in Guangdong Province, China, mainly found in regions such as Fengxi, Fengtang, and Fuyang. The clay is known for its fine texture, flexibility, and strong plasticity, resulting in finished products that are beautifully shaped, with simple lines and rich colors. The history of Chaozhou red clay dates back a long time, with the history of Chaozhou Zhu Ni teapots traceable to the mid-Qing dynasty.

Chaozhou is considered the homeland of Gongfu tea, and the area also produces red clay, boasting a long history and cultural background. The handmade pot-making technique of Chaozhou is comparable to that of Yixing Zisha teapots. Within tea culture, Chaozhou's "Gongfu tea" is regarded as one of the oldest types of Chinese tea ceremony. In terms of craftsmanship, Chaozhou red clay teapots differ from Yixing Zisha teapots. Chaozhou red clay pots are formed through traditional hand-pull techniques, whereas Yixing Zisha teapots are made using a method of shaping clay slabs.

Moreover, the overall craftsmanship and airtightness of Chaozhou red clay pots are superior to those of general Zisha teapots.