Gaiwan is the heart and soul of Gong Fu Cha. This versatile item consists of a bowl, lid, and saucer, creating the perfect vessel for infusing tea leaves. But it's not just strictly utilitarian. As you gently lift the lid, the rich scents wafting from the steeping leaves touch your senses. And, as you brew, gaiwan provides a captivating view of the leaves unfurling, adding visual delight to your tea session.
Now, let's talk about the exceptional qualities of ZiSha clay from the delta of the Yangtze River, specifically about the renowned Zi Ni clay. Among the various Yixing clays, Zi Ni clay stands out as a favorite choice. Its brewing behavior is quite different from that of glass, porcelain, or glazed ware, and many people feel it gives the tea a rounder texture and a more focused aroma.
Zi Ni clay is composed of a blend of kaolinite, quartz, and mica with a high iron oxide content, giving it a slightly sandy feel. When it’s fired, it becomes a dense, slightly porous stoneware. The unglazed surface can develop a light patina and hold a faint aroma from repeated use, and its micro-porous structure helps to gently soften rough edges in the tea. As we brew tea in a ZiSha gaiwan, the clay’s steady heat retention gently changes how the tea extracts. Many drinkers experience this as a smoother texture and a more integrated, ‘settled’ character.
Now, let's talk about the aroma teacups that add an extra dimension to our tea enjoyment. These cups are great for savoring tea, especially oolong. As their name suggests, they are specifically designed to capture and enhance the aromatic experience before indulging in a sip. Unlike traditional tasting cups, these aroma cups are tall and slender, allowing the captivating fragrances to concentrate and delight our senses. These cups, also made from the same Yixing clay, complement your tea experience, elevating the aromatic aspects of your tea sessions.
How to use Aroma teacups: Pour tea from the Gong Dao Bei (公道杯 – Fairness Pitcher), also known as Cha Hai (茶海 – The Sea of Tea), into the tall aroma cup. Then, cover the aroma cup with the short, wide tasting cup by turning it upside down. Gently press both cups with your thumb and index fingers, then carefully flip them over so the aroma cup is on top. Slowly lift and smell the aroma cup, allowing its aroma to waft towards you. Take a moment to savor the aroma before indulging in the exquisite flavors of the tea.
Watch this short video on how to use Aroma Teacups.
What is in the set:
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Yixing ZiSha Gaiwan (清水紫泥 – Qing Shui Zi Ni) (120ml)
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2 sets of ZiSha Aroma Tea Cups(紫泥 – Zi Ni) (20ml)
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2 wooden saucers
For the full Gong Fu Cha experience, make sure to have the following items:
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Cha Hai / Gong Dao Bei – 'bowl of impartiality'
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Tea Filter – helps to get a cup of clear and bright tea
NOTE: Avoid using detergents when cleaning.
