Tai Chi Tea Tray — Hold, Catch, Contain the Universe

A tea tray is the quiet centerpiece of a dry tea table — holding the covered bowl and catching stray drips. Spilled tea, rinse water, every drop is gently received, keeping the table clean and the tea session smooth and composed.

The surface is carved with an openwork Tai Chi Yin‑Yang pattern — flowing, rounded lines where emptiness and solidity give life to each other. Light filters through the cutout, shifting with every angle, as if the two forces of yin and yang are slowly turning in this small space, endlessly generating and transforming.

When you place a covered bowl on it, the bowl rests firmly at the very center of the Tai Chi — like all things carrying yin and embracing yang, each returning to its place. Drops of water fall onto the tray and flow naturally through the openwork, following the contours of the pattern — like yin and yang flowing, nourishing without a sound.

The Tai Chi symbol is painted on the tray — the two yin‑yang fish chasing each other in an endless circle. It echoes the Daoist view that all things carry yin and embrace yang, and that balance comes from the interplay of opposing forces. One tray holds a covered bowl; one cup of tea holds the universe. Here, Tai Chi is present, and with it, all things.

The openwork design lets water flow through naturally — finding its way to the tray below. Emptiness within solidity, solidity within emptiness — just as Tai Chi teaches. When holding a covered bowl, practicality and philosophy become one.

Natural incense ash is blended into the porcelain, giving it a warm ivory or beige tone with a jade‑like feel. The pigments use five‑colored earth minerals (green, red, white, black, yellow) — colors straight from the earth that stay rich and stable over time. Each piece is shaped by both nature and hand.

The tray is full and rounded, with the Tai Chi symbol at the center — flowing lines, yin and yang together, elegant and grand in its simplicity.

The cutout openings let water from the covered bowl flow through naturally — nothing pools on the surface, always clean and dry.

A warm, fine glaze beautifully sets off the red Tai Chi pattern. Silver lines add a refined, elegant touch.

The pattern is sealed under the glaze — years of use won't fade or blur it.

Fired at high temperature, the tray is solid, lead‑free, and cadmium‑free — safe and durable.

The openwork and Tai Chi painting are both done by hand — every piece has subtle variations that machines simply can't capture.

Silver lines trace the Tai Chi contours, catching the light with a delicate sheen — adding a layer of refined elegance.