For those of you who are puzzled about the intended use of a tea boat, let’s say that it is not meant to float, like it’s name may imply, but to hold liquids; tea in this case. The name Tea Boat is the literal translation of Cha Chuan in Mandarin. Those that are familiar with their use are more accustomed to seeing such items in wood. In Taiwan, ceremonial settings will most often make use of a finely crafted ceramic plate or large bowl in which the teapot sits when making tea. This functions as a tea tray to set pots and gaiwans for the making of tea and avoid spilling the unavoidable drops onto your table as well as holding some of the rinsing waters and any discarded liquids during the service. Some prefer to have the pot bathe in the discarded liquids to keep it warm. You can do so by removing the plate and simply using the bowl. This Bai Mu Quan original design is intended for any teapot in the Blue Hare's Fur series but the dazzling Tianmu 天目 (Tenmoku in Japan) glaze executed with vibrant cobalt blue accents creates a beautiful backdrop to any earthen or clay teapot. Like all the work featured in our handcrafted section, each item is made one by one and is signed by the artist. Handmade in Taiwan.