History & Craft

The legacy of Chinese tea cabinets is woven deeply into the tapestry of the Gongfu tea tradition.

The Role in Tea Ceremony

In the Chinese Gongfu tea ceremony, every element serves a purpose. The tea cabinet acts as the sanctuary for delicate Yixing clay teapots, porcelain gaiwans, and rare aged Pu'er cakes. A well-organized cabinet reflects the host's respect for the tea and the guests.

Tea Ceremony Setup Traditional Joinery

Mortise and Tenon Joinery

Authentic Chinese tea cabinets are constructed without the use of nails or screws. The ancient technique of mortise and tenon (Sunmao) joinery ensures that the wood can expand and contract with changing humidity, allowing these cabinets to last for centuries. This ingenious interlocking system is a hallmark of high-quality craftsmanship.