Welcome to The Steeping Room, where we celebrate tea’s history, craftsmanship, and the individuals and communities that bring it to life. From farms that nurture each leaf to people who steep deeply and savor every sip, we honor rich traditions and sustainable practices through stories and conversations centered on the communal love of tea and a shared passion for the leaf.
$ 48.00
For those new to steeping and seasoned pros alike, this easy gaiwan offers something for everyone. Clear glass allows you to witness the leaves unfurl and monitor the intensity of each steep. The lid fits perfectly into the petal grooves and has holes to strain the tea without needing to tilt it. It holds 175ml, roughly 6oz. of tea.
If you have never used a gaiwan before, it is an excellent method for making a multitude of different teas, mostly Chinese and Taiwanese greens, reds, blacks, oolongs, and some younger or sheng puerhs.
$ 14.00
A nice little cup to add a bit of flair to your tea table. These cups have a ruyao glaze which will become more defined with each use, revealing a beautiful network of crackles in the glaze. Satisfying smooth to hold, the creamy off-white color showcases the color of any tea and the thick walls make the cup comfortable to hold even for very hot teas. Each cup holds 50ml. Now available in a gorgeous celadon color.
*The photo shown is not the actual color, the cup is a light green celadon color.
$ 116.00
It's all about the details with this pot. Hand crafted with a unique style, the angled handle and recessed lid make the lines of this pot a work of art. The shi piao shaped pots are ideal for any puerh lover. Holding roughly 120ml, their squat, wide shape is perfect for allowing compressed cakes to expand. The thicker sides hold more heat, keeping the steeping conditions as hot as possible for puerh brewing. The size is great for solo or paired tea sessions. The fitted lid makes a perfect seal for a long and smooth pour.
Each pot comes in its own fitted box with a certificate of authenticity.
Yixing pots are iconic and are known as being the first teapots in the world. The clay is uniquely porous and will "drink" the tea that is made with it, allowing the consecutive steeps to absorb into the clay and enhance future steeps. For this reason, it is recommended that each pot be dedicated to one type of tea to prevent the crossover of other flavors. Over time, your pot will become more seasoned and make each pot of tea more aromatic and flavorful.
To care for your pot, rinse with hot water immediately after each use and allow it to dry completely before applying the lid. Never use soap or abrasives.
It is important to properly care for your pot to ensure it's longevity. When you first bring it home, rinse it with hot water and then cold water. This should wash away the clay smell.
It is then important to season the tea before steeping with it. Gently lower the teapot into a clean pot of boiling water. Keep the lid separate and do not let it touch the bottom, as the bubbles might jiggle it too much. Allow it to sit in the boiling water a few minutes, then remove and let it cool completely. You will need to decide which type of tea you would like to dedicate your pot to.
To season, add tea to the pot and steep. Pour the tea into a small bowl after about 30 seconds and steep the leaves again. Repeat this process until the bowl is full. You can then remove the leaves and soak the pot and lid separately in the brewed tea. Let it soak until it has cooled.
Always let the pot and lid dry completely before putting the lid on. Over time, your pot will develop more color and aroma, but it will not be unpleasant. When properly cared for the clay will prevent any bacteria from forming.
$ 55.00
Sourced from our spring tea trip in Dehua, this unglazed kyusu is perfect for people who love steeping in a larger vessel. The nude/earth tones make it a classic that can integrate into any teaware arsenal and it's a dream to pour.
Volume: 12oz. / 350ml
Material: Dehua Clay