The Chinese Tea Shop Yixing Fair Cup Pitcher

A fair cup, or 'cha hai,' is used in Gong Fu Cha to hold brewed tea before it is poured into individual cups. This ensures that every guest receives tea of the same strength and temperature, preventing the leaves from over-steeping in the pot.

Yes, Yixing clay is porous and known for absorbing the oils and flavors of the tea brewed within it over time. Because of this, it is recommended to dedicate this pitcher to a single type of tea, such as oolong or pu-erh, to enhance the flavor profile with repeated use.

Avoid using soap or harsh detergents, as the porous clay will absorb these chemicals and taint future brews. Simply rinse the pitcher with hot water after each use and allow it to air dry completely.

With a 300 ml capacity, this pitcher is well-suited for serving 3 to 4 people during a standard Gong Fu Cha session. It provides enough volume to fill several small tasting cups at once.

No, this pitcher is not compatible with stovetops, microwaves, or induction burners. It is designed strictly for serving tea that has already been brewed in a separate vessel.

This model does not feature a built-in filter. Because it is designed to be used after the tea has been steeped and strained in your teapot, a filter is typically not required.