Tea Set Accessory: Minimalist Melamine Dry-Brewing Tea Tray

The ovanyu Melamine Dry-Brewing Tea Tray is built around a straightforward premise: a stable, easy-to-clean surface that looks composed on the tea table and stays out of the way during a session. The tray body is formed from melamine — a dense, non-porous material that resists moisture, does not absorb tea staining, and wipes clean without the care requirements of wood or stone. The surface is finished in a matte black texture that references the appearance of wu jin (black gold) stone, and the center drainage area is fitted with a cast alloy hexagonal lattice insert that allows water to pass through while supporting cups and small vessels above the tray floor. Two forms are available: a narrow rectangular tray suited to linear gongfu setups, and a compact square tray for smaller tables or single-session arrangements.

• Melamine Construction: Durable and Non-Porous — Melamine is a dense polymer material that does not absorb water, tea, or odor. It holds its surface finish with regular use and does not require oiling, conditioning, or special drying routines. The tray can be wiped down quickly between sessions and rinsed without risk of warping, cracking, or surface damage.
• Wu Jin Stone-Effect Matte Surface — The exterior and rim of the tray are finished in a fine-textured matte black that references the appearance of wu jin stone — a material associated with ink-wash aesthetics and classical Chinese scholar objects. The surface texture provides grip for cups and vessels and avoids the visual flatness of a plain black plastic finish.
• Alloy Hexagonal Drainage Insert — The central drainage area is fitted with a cast alloy insert in a hexagonal lattice pattern. Water passes through the grid and collects in the tray cavity below; the insert supports teacups and vessels above the waterline. The hexagonal geometry adds a structured visual detail to an otherwise minimal surface.
• Two-Function Design: Dry-Brewing and Water-Storing — The tray functions both as a dry-brewing surface (used with minimal water, wiped clean) and as a water-storing tray (the cavity holds the overflow from rinsing and warming cups). The alloy insert keeps cups above any collected water while the tray body contains it. Draining is straightforward: lift the insert and tip the tray.
• Two Sizes for Different Setups — The rectangular form (27.5 × 11.8 cm) suits a linear arrangement — teapot or gaiwan to one side, one or two cups beside it — on a narrow desk or compact tea mat. The square form (20 × 20 cm) provides a centered, symmetrical base for a single-vessel setup or a compact gongfu arrangement.

• Material: Melamine body; cast alloy drainage insert (hexagonal lattice)
• Surface Finish: Matte wu jin stone-effect texture
• Origin: Dehua, Fujian
• Craft: Handmade
• Available Sizes:
  • Rectangular: 27.5 cm (L) × 11.8 cm (W) × 3.5 cm (H)
  • Square: 20 cm (L) × 20 cm (W) × 2.5 cm (H)
• Care: Wipe or rinse the tray body after each session; the alloy insert can be removed and rinsed separately; dry both pieces before storing; avoid abrasive scrubbers on the matte surface

• Dry-brewing style: Place the alloy insert in the tray and arrange the teapot or gaiwan and cups on the insert surface. Pour normally; any overflow or drips pass through the lattice into the cavity below. Wipe the insert and tray body dry at the end of the session.
• Water-storing style: Allow rinse water and warming water to collect in the tray cavity below the insert during the session. The insert keeps cups above the waterline. At the end of the session, remove the insert and tip the tray to drain the collected water.
• Cleaning: Remove the alloy insert and rinse both pieces separately under warm water. The melamine body wipes clean with a damp cloth. Allow both to dry fully before reassembling for storage.

Q: Does the tray have a drainage hole or pipe connection?
A: No. This is a self-contained tray with a built-in water reservoir beneath the alloy insert. It is not designed for connection to an external drainage tube. Collected water is emptied manually by removing the insert and tipping the tray.

Q: Is melamine safe for use with hot tea and boiling water?
A: The tray is designed as a surface for placing teapots, gaiwans, and cups — not for direct contact with boiling water being poured onto the tray itself. Splashes and drips from hot tea sessions are within its normal use range. Avoid leaving boiling water pooled in the cavity for extended periods.

Q: Will the matte surface scratch easily?
A: The matte melamine surface is durable under normal tea table use. Avoid metal scrubbers or abrasive cleaning materials. Ceramic and porcelain cups placed on the alloy insert do not contact the tray surface directly, which reduces wear.

Q: Which size should I choose?
A: The rectangular tray (27.5 × 11.8 cm) is well suited to a compact linear gongfu setup with one vessel and one or two cups. The square tray (20 × 20 cm) suits a centered, single-vessel arrangement or a very compact desk setup where a narrow tray would be too restrictive.

1. Order Processing Time: How many business days does it take to pack and ship an order?
   Orders will be shipped within 1–3 business days of successful placement.
2. Shipping Time: What is the estimated delivery time for major destination countries/regions?
   USA: 7–12 business days; Europe: 7–12 business days.
3.  Shipping Policy: Is shipping free for orders over a certain amount (e.g., over $59), or is there a flat shipping fee?
   Free shipping on orders of $59 or more; a $15 shipping fee applies to orders under $59. Subscription items ship for free.

We offer a 14-day return policy, meaning you can request a return within 14days of receiving your item.

To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it: unworn or unused, with tags attached, and in its original packaging. You will also need the receipt or proof of purchase.
For returns due to personal reasons (non-quality issues), the buyer is responsible for shipping costs; for returns due to quality issues, the seller covers the shipping costs.

To start a return, please contact us at hello@ovanyu.com. Please note that returns should be sent to the following address: [Shop 02, Building 2, China Resources Ziyunfu, Richang Road, Mawei District, Fuzhou City, Fujian Province, China]

If your return is accepted, we will send you a return shipping label, as well as instructions on how and where to send your package. Items sent back to us without first requesting a return will not be accepted.

You can always contact us for any return questions at hello@ovanyu.com.

Damages and issues
Please inspect your order upon reception and contact us immediately if the item is defective, damaged, or if you receive the wrong item, so that we can evaluate the issue and make it right.

Exceptions / non-returnable items
Certain types of items cannot be returned, such as perishable goods (like food, flowers, or plants), custom products (like special orders or personalized items), and personal care goods (like beauty products). We also do not accept returns for hazardous materials, flammable liquids, or gases. Please get in touch if you have questions or concerns about a specific item.

Unfortunately, we cannot accept returns on sale items or gift cards.

Exchanges
The fastest way to ensure you get what you want is to return the item you have, and once the return is accepted, make a separate purchase for the new item. EU 14-Day Cooling-Off Period
Notwithstanding the above, if the goods are being shipped to the EU, you have the right to cancel your order or return the items within 14 days without providing a reason. As previously stated, returned items must be in the same condition as when you received them—unworn or unused, with tags intact, and in their original packaging. You will also need to provide a receipt or proof of purchase.

Refunds
Once we receive and inspect your return, we will notify you whether your refund request has been approved. If approved, the refund will be automatically issued to your original payment method; funds typically appear in your account within 10 business days.
We will issue a full refund if the return is due to an issue on the seller's part; however, if the return is for personal reasons, the buyer is responsible for shipping costs and a 5% transaction processing fee.

Please note that it may take some time for your bank or credit card company to process and post the refund.
If more than 15 business days have passed since we approved your return request, please contact us at hello@ovanyu.com.