Gong Dao Bei

Gong Fu Cha (工夫茶) is a practice of attention to detail, and attention starts with accessories. A Cha He presents the dry leaf before it meets the water. A tea strainer keeps the Cha Hai clean of small particles. A Cha Hai distributes the tea evenly.  Each tool has a specific role, and each role shapes the quality of the session.

This collection covers a wide range of Gong Fu Cha accessories and tea tools.

Cha Hai (茶海) – Fairness Pitcher / Gong Dao Bei (公道杯)

The Cha Hai, also known as the Gong Dao Bei (公道杯 – Fairness Cup), is the vessel that receives the brewed tea from the teapot or gaiwan and holds it while the cups are filled. Its purpose is to equalize the concentration of the tea. The last drops from a steep are always stronger than the first, so pouring through a Cha Hai ensures every cup receives the same strength of the brew. It is an essential piece in any Gong Fu Cha setup with multiple cups. And if you are drinking alone, you need to decant your brewing vessel before the tea overbrews. If you can’t fit it all into your cup, pour it into Cha Hai / Gong Dao Bei to keep your brewing vessel dry between infusions.

Our Cha Hai range spans glass (for watching the tea's color develop), glazed ceramic, unglazed Dehua ZhuNi clay, and Mutton Fat Jade Porcelain – each bringing a different aesthetic to the tea table.

Tea Strainer (茶漏 – Cha Lou)

A tea strainer sits atop the Cha Hai, catching any loose leaf fragments or fine particles that escape during pouring. A fine-mesh strainer keeps the cup clear. Our strainers include silk mesh, porcelain, and a stainless steel strainer – compact and designed for travel.

Cha He (茶荷 – Tea Holder)

A Cha He is a shallow, open vessel — typically shaped like a leaf or boat — used to hold and present the dry tea leaves before brewing. In Gong Fu Cha, the Cha He is passed around the table so that each guest can observe the leaves' appearance and inhale their dry fragrance before the session begins. It is the first step in the tasting process, and a moment of quiet anticipation. Our Cha He range includes a handmade Balinese wood version, a bamboo set (which also includes a tea spoon and tea pin), and a classic porcelain option.

Cha Dao (茶道 – Tea Utensils Set)

A Cha Dao set is a collection of tea tools used during the brewing session:

• Cha Ze (茶则 – Tea Scoop) – for measuring and transferring dry leaf from the storage container to the Cha He

• Cha Chi (茶匙 – Tea Spoon / Pin) – for directing and placing leaves into the brewing vessel, and clearing blockages in the teapot spout

• Cha Jia (茶夹 – Tea Tongs) – for handling hot teacups hygienically without touching the rim

Our Cha Dao options include the bamboo set and the White Crane ceramic-handled set. Bamboo Tea Tongs are also available separately.

Pu-erh Tea Pick (茶针 – Cha Zhen)

Compressed pu-erh, in cake, brick, or tuocha form, must be broken apart before brewing. A tea pick (also called a pu-erh tea knife or tea needle) is used to pry apart the compressed layers without crushing the leaves into dust. Preserving the leaf structure is important: whole leaves and large fragments brew better and release flavor more evenly than broken pieces. Our tea picks are stainless steel, available as a standalone pick or as a set with a cleaning brush.

Matcha Tools

• Chasen (茶筅 – Matcha Whisk) – an 80-prong bamboo whisk used to dissolve and froth matcha in the chawan. Essential for Cha No Yu (茶の湯 – Japanese Tea Ceremony).

• Kusenaoshi (茶筅直し – Whisk Holder) – a ceramic stand for drying and storing the Chasen between uses, which preserves the shape of the tines and extends the whisk's life.

• Matcha Sifter (Tsubame Chakoshi – 燕茶漉し) – a fine-mesh stainless steel sifter for removing clumps from matcha powder before whisking. Sifting produces a smoother, lump-free bowl.

Digital Tea Scale & Cha He

Precise measurement transforms brewing from guesswork into a repeatable practice. Our digital tea scale doubles as a Cha He. It weighs the dry leaf and holds it for presentation simultaneously. Accurate to 0.1g, which matters when you're working with teas where even half a gram changes the result.

Incense Holders

Tea and incense have been companions in Chinese tea practice for centuries. A thin background fragrance can settle the mood of a session without competing with the tea itself. Our incense holders include the Fisherman sandstone figure and the Tea Demon – a handmade Jianshui Zitao (建水紫陶) piece by ceramic artist Xue (薛).

Lid Rest (盖置 – Gai Zhi)

A lid rest holds the teapot or gaiwan’s lid while you pour water, keeping it clean and off the surface. Our Jianshui Zitao lid rest is handmade by Xue (薛), the same ceramic artist behind our Jianshui incense holder.

Coasters, Towels & Runners

• Tea Towel (茶布 – Cha Bu) – a versatile cloth for wiping spills, drying teaware, and keeping the surface clean throughout the session. One of the most-used accessories in any Gong Fu Cha setup.

• Luffa Fiber Coaster – a natural coaster for placing under the teapot, Cha Hai, or cups. The open fiber structure absorbs small drips and dries quickly.

• Ginkgo Tea Table Runner – a water-resistant runner for creating a composed Cha Xi (茶席 – Tea Setting): the aesthetic arrangement of teaware and objects that frames the session.

Travel Tea Accessories

The Padded Travel Tea Bag is a cotton-linen pouch designed to safely carry a full Gong Fu Cha set. Padded compartments protect teapots and gaiwans from impact during travel.