Bamboo Draining Tea Tray

Anyone who brews tea in the gongfu style knows the problem: rinsing the leaves, warming the cups and pouring off the first infusion all produce water that has to go somewhere. This bamboo tray solves it with a slatted top over a shallow catch tray beneath, so spilled water drains straight through and out of sight, and the catch tray lifts out to be emptied.

The bamboo is polished smooth and sealed, which keeps it from swelling and splitting the way untreated timber does under repeated wetting. Three sizes are offered: 30 by 18cm for a single pot and two cups on a desk, 35 by 23cm as the everyday choice, and 40 by 28cm where a full set and a kettle need to sit together.

It is 4cm deep in every size, so it slides onto a table or a shelf without dominating it, and it doubles as a neat serving board for small plates when it is not brewing. Empty the catch tray after each session and dry the tray with a cloth rather than leaving it wet. Wipe with a damp cloth only: do not soak it, put it in a dishwasher, or stand it in direct heat.

• Polished bamboo tea tray with removable water catch tray
• Three sizes: 30 x 18 x 4cm, 35 x 23 x 4cm or 40 x 28 x 4cm
• Slatted top drains spilled water into the tray below
• Suits gongfu brewing, small serving and desk use
• Empty and dry the catch tray after every use
• Wipe with a damp cloth; do not soak or put in a dishwasher
• Natural bamboo: grain and tone vary between pieces