Best Supporting Teaware(s)!

[Chip]

I have been wanting to do a "Chataku" (aka teacup saucer) topic for many moons! But why limit the topic ... this idea popped into my head a few days ago.

I am sure we all have teaware accouterments that add enjoyment and/or function to our tea experiences. What are "best supporting teawares?" Hmmm, perhaps starting with what they are NOT such as the TeaTable "Stars" such as teapot, cup, and of course TEA (well, that is not even a teaware ... but is the star of the show).

Often humble pieces, mass produced or no known artisan. So, generally speaking they could be saucers, trays, assorted pitchers and coolers, canisters, tools needed or used, kettle, etc. Your list may differ greatly, so sharing will be enlightening and enjoyable to all!

So, please share your "best supporting teawares" whether they are Chinese, Japanese, American, Czech, Pole, Korean, etc., etc., etc.

Offer general or specific information ... now or later. This can be educational and ... fun!

[Chip]

... kicking it off. I posted this in the Teaware of the Day topic today.

"Best supporting Teawares" of the day ... these pieces always take a back seat to the top three stars, but they enhance the experience greatly!

The Chataku (saucer) is vintage "Kamakura."
The Natsume is a beautiful old unpolished Sakura bark (I use this to hold the single serving of tea leaves, though Natsume are usually for holding the matcha for Japanese Tea Ceremony).
The Yuzamashi is likely the piece I use more than any ... just a no name and mass produced piece, though I like the iron spots as I know where 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 ounces are by the spots.
The Kyusu tray is more likely a sweet tray ... again for Japanese Tea Ceremony.

I like to improv if I like the pieces! More specifics at a later date.



Coming together with the stars ...

[Alex]

Great idea chip. I'll get a few pics up in this later on. ^-^

[fdrx]

Sino-Colombian Gongfu cha:

I use colombian earthenware for everything. It's a kind of volcanic mud from Tolima department. Here is all my chinese teaware and the supporting teaware :

[Poohblah]

Based on the posts so far, this could also be a topic of teaware that literally supports other teaware... e.g. teaboats, tea trays, stands, etc.

[Chip]

... supporting teaware to start the new TeaYear.

Older copper Chataku, current go to Sakura Natsume to hold the first tea of the year (Yutaka Midori), Sakura Kyusu stand, old faithful Yazamashi hiding.

[Chip]

A favorite so called "vintage" Chataku set features "Momiji" or Japanese Maple leaves on laquered wood Chataku. These are larger chataku, 5ish" in diameter.



Did I say handpainted ...

[bagua7]

Sino-Colombian Gongfu cha

With a touch of Ch'an/Zen. Simplicity is the direct result of profound thought. You got a very nice set up there.

[fdrx]

Thank you Bagua! My humble setup is 100% inspired by the nice pictures posted by some serious teachatters like T, B, M, ... thanks to them for sharing here and there.

[Chip]

Kamakura Obon (tray), an older piece. I like long trays like this.

Also frequent "supporters" Kamakura Chataku, and Sakura kyusu stand, and the piece I use most often but is always sitting in the wings, this Yuzamashi has been used literally 1000's of times.

[Chip]

Thinking small for Gyokuro. Teenie tiny copper Chataku for holding tiny cups.

Subtle Lotus pitcher used as a water cooler by Yi Yong Cheol of Korea. Too bad he has stopped making pottery as this pitcher is really special in all respects including to use. Iron spots make it easy for me to judge how much water.

More on the other pieces later.

[Chip]

A new ... old Chataku set ... copper. Really nice heavy gauge ... nothing flimsy about these!

[debunix]

Special delivery today, wrapped in a truly impressive quantity of premium bubble wrap...


Special delivery by debunix, on Flickr

Settled right in there, didn't it?

[Chip]

That is a truly a "best supporting teaware!" Really love her tea trays.

[amaranto]

That maple Chataku is gorgeous, Chip. Two of my favorite colors.