In a tea ceremony, everything begins with cleanliness.
Before touching the cup, before water meets the leaves, the master wipes the table, the teapot, or their hands — the cha jin (茶巾) becomes the first and final gesture of the ceremony.
It is not just a piece of cloth.
It is a sign of respect — for the tea, the guest, and the space where elements meet.
The Philosophy of Cleanliness
In Chinese tradition, there is a saying: “Cleanliness brings calm.”
The cha jin helps the master maintain harmony on the table and in the mind.
It absorbs excess water, clears droplets, and prevents disorder from disturbing the flow of the ceremony.
This is an act of inner focus — like a deep breath before the first sip.
Every movement with the towel is gentle, unhurried, almost like a quiet conversation with the space.
Materials and Craftsmanship
Traditional tea towels are made from linen, cotton, or bamboo fiber.
Materials are chosen carefully: they must absorb moisture well, feel soft to the touch, and maintain their shape even after countless ceremonies.
Masters pay attention to every stitch.
Some towels are dyed with natural pigments — shades of earth, moss, or aged tea.
These colors do not distract the eye; they create a sense of calm and warmth.
Many towels are adorned with calligraphy or symbols — characters meaning “silence,” “tea,” or “the Way.”
The item becomes personal, as if it has its own soul.
Role in the Tea Ceremony
During Gongfu Cha, the towel is always close at hand.
It wipes drops after warming the vessels, cleans the rim of the teapot, or the surface of the tea tray.
Sometimes the cha jin is placed near the cups so guests can wipe their hands or rest a gaiwan lid.
This gesture is an expression of care and respect.
It keeps the ceremony space alive and flowing, yet clean and orderly.
Symbolism and Presence
In traditional tea schools, it was said: “The master who handles the cha jin with care holds the heart of tea.”
Those who maintain outer cleanliness can preserve inner clarity.
The towel represents the boundary between chaos and harmony.
It teaches the beauty of simplicity: in a hand movement, a droplet, a gentle touch of fabric on porcelain.
Modern Significance
Today, the cha jin remains an essential part of tea spaces — in both traditional tea houses in China and Taiwan, and modern tea studios worldwide.
For Gaba Tea House masters, the tea towel is not an accessory — it is an expression of philosophy:
everything we do should be clean, mindful, and intentional.
Conclusion
The cha jin reminds us that beauty comes from simplicity.
In every movement — calm, in every drop — respect, in every ceremony — purity.
The towel does not speak, but it teaches — to be gentle, focused, and grateful.
In this way, tea becomes not just a drink, but a mirror of the inner world.