This 170ml Mutton Fat Jade Porcelain Cha Hai (茶海), aka Gong Dao Bei (公道杯), or Fairness Pitcher, is an essential piece for Gong Fu Cha practitioners. Crafted from Mutton Fat Jade Porcelain, it features a smooth, milky-white finish with a slight translucency, allowing light to pass through and giving it a delicate, ethereal glow. The porcelain resembles mutton fat jade – a precious nephrite highly valued in Chinese culture.
Fairness Cup allows for full decanting of a brewing vessel, keeping tea from steeping between infusions. And by decanting tea first into the pitcher and then into the individual cups, we ensure that each participant receives the brew of the same strength.
The handwritten calligraphy on the Cha Hai reads "一心问茶" (Yī Xīn Wèn Chá), which can be translated to "Approach Tea With a Focused Heart." This phrase holds profound significance in the context of Gong Fu Cha and Zen practices. It serves as a reminder to approach tea with mindfulness, to be fully present in each moment, and to cultivate a deep, focused connection with the tea and the process. In Gong Fu Cha, which emphasizes skillful and deliberate preparation, this mindset enables the practitioner to appreciate the nuances of the tea, from aroma to flavor, thereby fostering a deeper appreciation for the art of tea.
This concept is also deeply rooted in Zen philosophy, where simplicity, presence, and mindfulness are central. The act of brewing and sharing tea becomes a meditative practice, a way to connect with the present moment and find tranquility in simplicity.
The Mutton Fat Jade Porcelain used in this Cha Hai enhances the tea's presentation. Its smooth surface ensures a seamless pour. The gentle translucency of the porcelain adds a subtle elegance. Ideal for those who seek a mindful and aesthetic tea experience, this Cha Hai embodies the essence of Gong Fu Cha and Zen, where beauty and mindfulness converge.
- Volume: 170ml
- Material: Mutton Fat Jade Porcelain (样脂玉)
- Origin: Dehua, Fujian, China
NOTE: Gong Dao Bei and other teaware should never be washed using detergents.