Designed for the Gong Fu Cha (功夫茶) practice, this Mutton Fat Jade Porcelain tea set is an embodiment of elegance. The set includes a Gaiwan, Gong Dao Bei (Fairness Pitcher), two tea cups, and a tea strainer, all adorned with the handwritten calligraphy "一心问茶" (Yī Xīn Wèn Chá), meaning "Approach Tea With a Focused Heart." This phrase is a gentle reminder to approach each tea session with mindfulness and intention, aligning with the Zen principles of presence and focus.
Mutton Fat Jade Porcelain, known for its translucency and smooth, creamy-white appearance, gets its name from its resemblance to the Mutton Fat Jade, which, in Chinese culture, is associated with purity and high value. When light passes through the porcelain, it reveals a soft glow, enhancing the visual appeal and creating a serene atmosphere during tea sessions. The porcelain's surface is neutral to the taste, ensuring that the taste of the tea remains unaltered. Each piece is thin yet durable, providing the perfect balance between fragility and strength.
What's in the set:
-
1 Gaiwan (130ml)
- 1 Gong Dao Bei (170ml)
- 2 cups (35ml each)
- 1 Tea Strainer (porcelain net)
- Material: Mutton Fat Jade Porcelain (样脂玉)
- Origin: Dehua, Fujian
NOTE: Teaware easily absorbs taste and aromas and should never be washed using detergents.
Customer Reviews
I’m so glad I purchased the set (and basically got the strainer for free). The strainer works well and is a beautiful addition to my table- I like the calm vibe of matching pieces.
This is beautiful teaware. I agree with other reviews that liken it to bone, as it has the hand feel of fine bone china.
I do find the gaiwan too hot to hold if I overfill it making pu erh, so I use it mostly for greens & whites. The lid fits well and it and the fairness cup both pour smoothly without dripping.
I love how the translucence of this set contributes to the elegance (see photo of my silver needle white peeking through the lid of the gaiwan).
My only disappointment (and it is minor), is that as a lefty, I had to teach myself to pour with my right hand, otherwise I don’t get to see the engraving on the gong dao bei. But it’s not the first time I’ve had to adapt in this right-handed world! :)
The set’s heat retention is great, keeping tea warm for extended sessions, while its beautiful translucence adds a touch of joy to each pour. It is light, making it easy to handle and enjoy during sessions. Perhaps my favorite characteristic of the gaiwan is its easy, even, and steady pour, which makes the gongfu process more enjoyable.
This set is incredibly light weight, the porcelain does not heat where the water isn't so your fingers are safe and its a bit translucent. absolutely gorgeous. Personally, it feels a bit like its made of bone, its a really awesome texture. And the inscription is a perfect reminder for every day tea drinking.