Let's delve into the essence of Gaiwan – 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 about brewing; gaiwan plays multiple roles in elevating our tea moments. As you gently lift the lid, the rich scents wafting from the steeping leaves embrace your senses, enticing you further into the world of tea. And as you pour the tea, gaiwan provides a captivating view of the leaves unfurling gracefully, adding an element of visual delight to your brewing ritual.
Now, let's focus on the exceptional ZiSha clay, specifically the renowned Zi Ni clay from the delta of the Yangtze River. Among the various Yixing clays, Zi Ni clay stands out as a favorite choice among tea enthusiasts worldwide. Its excellent porosity works wonders in enhancing the taste of tea, surpassing other materials like glass, porcelain, glazed teapots, or even other ZiSha clays.
Zi Ni clay is composed of a captivating blend of kaolin, quartz, mica and boasts a high iron oxide content, resulting in a somewhat sandy texture. This unique clay has the incredible ability to absorb and retain the flavors and aromas of tea due to its high porosity. As we brew tea in a gaiwan made from ZiSha clay, the clay imparts its mineral-rich essence, subtly infusing the tea with its distinctive character and depth.
Now, let's talk about the aroma teacups – the unsung heroes that add an extra dimension to our tea enjoyment. These cups are an essential part of savoring tea, particularly oolong tea. 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 Cha Hai, also known as the Gong Dao Bei or Fairness Cup, into the tall aroma cup. Then, cover the aroma cup with the short and wide tasting cup. Gently press both cups with your thumb and index fingers, and carefully flip them over so that the aroma cup is now on top. Slowly lift and smell the aroma cup, allowing its enticing aroma to waft towards you, immersing yourself in its captivating scent. 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.
Embrace the enchanting world of Gong Fu Cha, where Gaiwan, ZiSha clay, and aromatic teacups come together to elevate your tea experiences. Allow gaiwan and its transformative powers to infuse your tea with depth and authenticity. Let the Zi Ni clay capture the essence of your favorite teas, enhancing their taste and aroma. And as you engage with the aroma teacups, indulge in the beautiful fragrances that envelop each sip, adding an extra layer of sensory pleasure to your tea journey. Cheers to the joy of tea!
What is in the set:
- Yixing ZiSha Gaiwan (Zi Ni) (120ml)
- 2 sets of ZiSha Aroma Tea Cups (Zi Ni) (20ml)
- 2 wooden saucers
For the full Gong Fu Cha experience, make sure to have the following items:
- Cha Hai / Gong Dao Bei – 'bowl of impartiality'
- Tea Filter – helps to get a cup of clear and bright tea
NOTE: Avoid using detergents when cleaning.