Bring Home the Tradition of Gongfu Tea with Our Premium Tea Sets

If you ever plan to visit China, I hope you get to experience how amazingly elaborate the tea ceremony is. An aromatic tea is a beautiful, delicate teaware of the Gongfu tea set that is served to you. You cannot compare these teapots and cups to just others, looking at clay and history stretching over centuries of tradition.

Tea occupies a surprisingly essential place in Chinese culture. Such beautiful tea sets have been used in tea ceremonies for centuries, so drinking tea has become a lovely ritual. For this reason, the set is often called a Gongfu tea ceremony set. So, if you dare to call yourself a tea lover, add a traditional Gongfu cha tea set to your kitchen, and you will actually experience genuine tea drinking like the Chinese.

What are Gongfu Tea Sets?

A Gongfu tea set is a unique collection of teaware created for the Gongfu tea ceremony, a traditional Chinese method of brewing tea. The term "Gongfu" means "skill," so Gongfu tea, or Gongfu Cha, occasionally means "making tea with skill." You could also hear a Gongfu tea set called a "Kungfu tea set," as the term "Gongfu" used to be spelled as "Kung Fu."

Today, Gongfu is a great culture-specific ceremony in China and has followed the same steps and rituals as the previous generation. The whole ceremony is based on respecting the tea and giving it just the proper amount of time to prepare correctly.

Some Gongfu tea set pieces are made of traditional materials, but only a few consist of a teapot, small cups, lids, filters, and sometimes a towel. Usually made of clay and wood, natural materials are more often used for these pieces. The cups and teapot are as small as possible so that the brew can be circulated several times, and the tea can be relished in tiny palatable sips. Apart from functionality, it also adds to the aesthetics and atmosphere of the experience.

The Importance of Sets in Chinese Culture

Though serving merely as a tool for making tea, Chinese Gongfu tea sets are special. They are symbols of tradition, culture, craft, and hospitality. Transmitted from generation to generation, this art displays patience and mindfulness.

Tea is part of daily consumption and is considered a socialization among people in China, symbolizing peace. They often use it in gathering for meaningful events, ceremonies, and family gatherings, and therefore, the art of preparing and sharing tea becomes as essential as drinking it. Brewing tea on this traditional Gongfu tea set is an elaborate process demonstrating how much craftsmanship goes into this treasured tradition.

Each and every item in the Gong fu cha set is designed- from the teapot to the small cups to help bring out the flavor of the tea as much as possible while giving a full sensory experience. Most of these sets are made from natural materials, such as clay or porcelain, that better the taste of tea over time. In the cases of teapots, they are so carefully shaped to let the leaves unfold and drip out their fullest aroma.

In Chinese culture, using this set would bring them closer in appreciation for the importance of tea so they can slow down and enjoy the moment. It is a reminder that preparation is half the journey to drinking. It is the deep cultural roots and the centuries-old tradition of tea culture that the use of a tea set would allow one to experience.

The Craftsmanship Behind Gongfu Tea Sets

The beauty of a Gongfu tea set lies in its craftsmanship. All these pieces undergo handmade production, using techniques passed on from generations of Chinese artisans. Most of these sets are made of clay and wood sourced from the local areas, making them unique to the culture. This tradition of hand-crafted tea sets is still alive for artisans because they start pouring teapots, cups, and tools into each other during the Gongfu tea ceremony.

It is not about making something that looks beautiful. According to Gongfu craftsmen, the point of the tea set lies in improving the experience of drinking tea. There is a thinking on everything- the material used and the shape of the teapots and cups. This design brings out the best flavors possible in the tea, making the ceremony all the more enjoyable.

A gongfu tea set is unique because each piece contributes to a specific role in the ceremony itself. Teapots, cups, and other tools are part of the ritual and part of a larger system that must be done properly. The craftsmanship on these sets helps connect with the centuries-old traditions of Chinese tea culture, hence making the ceremonial sense not only a cup of tea but an appreciation of art, history, and people who have been involved in that process.

Key Components of a Gongfu Tea Set

A Gongfu tea ceremony set is a nicely designed collection containing all the necessary items to hold a traditional Chinese ceremony. Each component of the set plays an important role in improving the experience of brewing and tasting tea. Here's a closer look at the main elements forming a Gongfu tea set:

Teapot with Lid: No tea set can be complete without a teapot. It is the most essential component of the Chinese Gongfu tea set. The sizes and shapes differ, but they all are small enough to allow multiple infusions. Moreover, the teapot is made of clay, porcelain, or glass, but its lid holds aromas and heat during brewing. Its handle on the teapot makes it easier to transfer the tea once it has been brewed. This is the right amount to fill at least several servings at once.

Gongfu Tea Cups: Gongfu tea cups are small and delicate, created for drinking and improving the sensory occasion of enjoying the tea. One can take multiple sips with varying tastes from several infusions of the leaves. The ceremony becomes even more special when you are sipping from these cups. They come in different shapes and sizes and usually match the teapot.

Smelling Cup (Aroma Cups): Smelling cups are important in the tea ceremony with the traditional practice.
1. Sniff
2. Smell
3. Taste
Most aroma cups are made from materials like porcelain or purple clay with a white interior glaze. It is wise to choose a porcelain aroma cup that you can see through, hence knowing the color of your tea. Purple clay cups hold on to the fragrance pretty well and are thus suitable for smelling. The use of the smelling cup is complementary to that of the teacup.
If you want to get a smell of the tea, hold it with both hands, close it to your nose, and gently swirl while drawing in the fragrance of the tea. The second infusion is particularly fragrant, so it's great if you are going to inhale the aroma before drinking.

Coaster: It serves as a place for tea and smelling cups. These are usually made from wood, bamboo, or plastic and preserve space in your house because they act as a border between the water and the table, saving the table from stains. Generally sold in sets with the cups and best accessory for any tea gathering.

Tea Strainer: A tea strainer is an essential part of the gongfu sets. It catches all loose tea leaves when you pour them into the fair cup. This prevents tea leaves from entering your cup so you can enjoy an otherwise smooth and clear drink. A tea strainer ensures that the perfect cup of tea gets to you every time without floating bits getting in the way.

Lid set: This set is a special holder that is used to hold the lid of the teapot while brewing tea. It will keep the clean lid safe from breaking. The lid set is made from purple clay, porcelain, bamboo, or wood. When purchasing a lid set, it is recommended to pick one that is built using wood so that it does not break easily. There are many to find one that you like. This tiny piece adds a touch of elegance to your tea setting and helps to keep everything looking nice and neat.

Gaiwan: Gaiwan is another method of brewing tea. It consists of three parts: a lid, bowl, and saucer. Some people choose the gaiwan instead of the teapot because it gives a chance to control brewing better. With a gaiwan, you put 5-8 grams of tea leaves, pour hot water into the container, and then transfer your tea into fair cup.

Tea Tray: A Gongfu tea tray is a universal, attractive part of the Gongfu set. It is often made of bamboo or wood and is usually the main focus of your tea ceremony. It holds all the other products that go with the tea together and catches spills and excess water in the process of brewing, which would inevitably happen. A tray helps to organize everything and makes it enjoyable to serve tea.

Tea Utensils: Gonfu tea set come with tea utensils, including a tea scoop, a teaspoon, a tea clip or tong, a tea needle, tea leaks, and a container for holding the other utensils. The tea scoop is used for measuring and transferring tea leaves from the tea caddy to the teapot. It's also made from wood. Its precise design allows for accurate portioning of tea leaves, ensuring a consistent and balanced brew with each infusion. The tea needle or stick is used to remove leaves from the teapot's spout, whereas the clip or tongs are used to handle the tea cups. The teaspoon can be used to stir the tea. Finally, the tea leak prevents any overflow from the pot when you're pouring in the water.

Cha Ze: The cha ze is a bamboo scoop that helps move leaves to be steeped in the teapot or gaiwan. It's convenient for you to ensure that you put the right amount of tea in your brewing container. This utensil is fairly practical but often beautifully crafted, indeed reflecting the care and artistry put into the brewing process of Gongfu tea.

Tea Tong: Tea tongs resemble a tea knife. Use it to break crushed tea cakes, especially puerh tea. This tool makes it even easier to separate the leaves that you'll use to brew without crushing them. With tongs, you will prepare the right preparation for your tea- a great brewing experience.

Tea Towel: A tea towel is an important accessory in the Gongfu tea set. It is applied mostly to wipe away spills when brewing. You can make it serve to take out the water from the teapot or the cups. Tea towels are made up of cotton or linen, and you need to choose a material that absorbs well. When applying the tea towel, it should be held correctly to ensure clean sets are prepared as one brewed tea. Store neatly after use.

Cha Zhen: It is a tool that removes all the tea leaves from the teapot's spout. This process helps smoother and easier pouring of tea without clogging. The pouring of tea is mess-free in its presentation, and keeping the spout free ensures proper pouring of the tea.

Water Heater: It warms up the water to help make a cup of tea. In the past, people used a wind furnace. But today, most people prefer to use electric kettles, alcohol burners, or gas stoves. A good water heater ensures that your water is warmed up at an optimal temperature to draw out the best flavor the tea leaves offer.

Tea Caddy: It is a jar that holds the tea leaves. Its lid is supposed to keep them fresh and protect them from air and moisture. It's usually made of the same material and has a similar design as the rest of the parts of the Kung Fu tea sets. Hence, it adds to the overall aesthetic presentation of the setup. A good quality tea caddy ensures that your tea stays flavorful and ready to brew.

Teapot Plate: It's just a flat surface upon which you put the Gongfu teapot when not in use. This will keep your table clean and make the tea setup presentation appear neat and tidy. The plate generally matches the tea set's other parts, adding beauty to the whole setting.

Tea Pitcher or Fair Cup: The tea pitcher is called a fair cup. Indeed, it is one of the integral parts of the Gongfu set. Mainly, it is used to pour an equally balanced flavor into each individual's cup. This way, anyone can get the same amount of flavor and strength in their cup. The tea pitcher also chills the tea a little before it's served, which is just alright because it keeps the tea from tasting too strong or bitter. This piece is important for serving tea to friends or family in the ceremony.

Tea Spoon: The teaspoon, or a tea steak, is just one of the helpful utensils in the Gongfu tea set. It is a spoon-shaped one used to scoop out the leaves from the teapot. When tea is brewed, there is a likelihood for the leaves to fill the teapot. Removing them with your hands becomes troublesome because the opening is small. The tea spoon makes handling the leaves much smoother ensuring smooth brewing.

Cha He: It is used for the intention of the cha ze, but it is more artistic in its design. It transfers the tea leaves from the potter to the teapot. The Cha He is usually made of bamboo, which is both nice-looking and practical. This equipment is helpful while brewing and gives a touch of beauty to the whole tea-making process.

Tea Brush: It is a soft brush that cleans items, like the teapot and tea tray. The animal hair, used commonly in making the bristles of a tea brush, is naturally soft and efficient at removing stains or dust from your tea. Cleaning the Gongfu teaware is crucial in deriving the best flavors from your tea, and the tea brush does the job flawlessly..

Tea Pet: It is usually placed atop a Gongfu tray as a small decoration. It is made of clay or ceramic material. It is not just a decoration but plays an important part in the ceremony over tea. Tea drinkers pour a little bit of tea over the pet during brewing, expressing thanks and respect for tea. Over time, the ritual allows the tea pet to absorb it, enhancing its color and texture. People like ordering their favorite tea pets as they portray their personalities or interests. They add an interesting element to a tea set up.

How to Use a Gongfu Tea Set?

Initially, It may seem confusing, but it is easy once the steps are known. Here's a walkthrough to ease your way into making Gongfu tea.

Step 1: Prepare Your Tea Set

Begin by arranging every necessary item, such as a covered teapot, teacups, a pitcher to pour brewed tea, tea tray, a tea towel, a tea scoop for measuring the leaves, and a strainer to catch stray leaves. As you immediately place each item on the tray, ensure they are all clean.

Step 2: Preheat Your Teaware

Preheat your teapot, tea cups, and tea pitcher. Just fill up each of these with hot water, pour it out, and you are ready. This way, your tea stays at an appropriate temperature so that the flavor will be quite well released. Preheating is an important step in maintaining proper temperatures.

Step 3: Measure Your Tea Leaves

When measuring the tea leaves with a scoop, add them to the hot teapot. Depending on the kind of tea you're getting ready, and your wanted strength, the amount of tea will differ. Thus, one tablespoon of tea leaves should be added to one cup of water as a general rule.

Step 4: Add Hot Water

Carefully pour warm water over the tea leaves in a teapot, depending on the kind of tea you're making. The perfect water temperature for steep green or white teas is 175°F or 80°C. And for oolong or black tea, it requires 195°F or 90°C. You can get the optimal flavor for your tea in this manner.

Step 5: Steep the Tea

Steep the tea leaves in the hot water for just the right amount of time. Depending on your taste, the steep time will vary because each type of tea has its different ideal steep time. However, a general rule of thumb is to start with a short, steep time of 30 seconds and adjust to your preference. Allow your tea to fill the space with its wonderful fragrance as it steeps.

Step 6: Pour and Serve

Now, slowly pour it from the teapot to the tea pitcher. This way, all flavors will mix well. Fill the small tea cups from the pitcher to about three-quarters full.

Step 7: Enjoy Your Gongfu Tea!

Now, your tea is ready. It is time to appreciate your tea! Do sip on it slowly and only be able to enjoy the deep flavors and aroma of your carefully brewed tea. Gongfu tea brewing means enjoying the time and joy of drinking.

Brewing tea with a Gongfu tea set is not only a method of brewing but also a very enjoyable and relaxing way to enjoy both the beauty and flavor. Follow the simple steps given below, and you will easily become a master in the art of Gongfu cha and enjoy peaceful tea sessions with others or by yourself. From a new tea lover to an old tea fan, the opportunity to be slower than usual has enough appeal for Gongfu tea brewing.

If you have not heard of Chinese traditional gongfu cha ceremony before, below are few steps to show you about kung fu tea ceremony.

Gongfu Tea-making method

There are certain tea-making procedures to follow and good match between tea and water. Good tea-making skills can add to the flavor of good tea.

1. Proportion of tea and water

The tea consumption is based mainly on tea category, size of tea sets and drinker's daily habits.

Usually for a 200 ml cup, 3-4 grams of tea leaves is ok. In the first infusion, put the boiling water of 1/3 cup. After that, pour boiling water to the 7/10 or 8/10 cup. Full liquid may arouse unhappiness and discomfort of guests.

Proportion of tea and water relates to tea category. Concerning the very fluffy tea, such as Pekoe Oolong, Biluochun a 7/10 or 8/10 cup of water is suitable. For the little tight tea, a 1/4 pot of water is satisfying, such as the bunched Oolong tea, White Pekoe Silver Needle in the form of bar, thin and fluffy green tea and so on. A 1/5 pot of water is best as to the extremely dense tea, like the sword- shaped Longjing, the needle-like Kungfu black tea, Yulu tea, the spherical gunpowder tea, the angular broken tea, and the scenting scented tea. The tea dosage varies. For regular tea drinkers or manual workers, it is generally to increase the amount of tea leaves and to make a cup of strong tea. For mental workers, or people not addicted to tea, less tea leaves and a cup of fragrant tea are best.

2. Mastery of infusion time

Infusion time relates to rough or tender tea leaves, amount of tea leaves, and water temperature, and also the drinker's taste.

To make a variety of tea extracts in proper proportion in liquid with good color and taste, the first infusion is standardized to be 5 minutes for 3 grams tea leaves (6 minutes for Tie Kwan- yin and heavily-fermented tea).

Relatively tight tea, roundness tea, stretches a lot after infusion. To make sure a wonderful taste, the second and third infusion should be shortened.

Old tea or crude tea need longer infusion time; tender tea leaves easily extracts; re-withered, lightly-fermented white tea such as White Pekoe Silver Needle, White Peony, leaches slowly, and infusion time needs extended.

3. Mastery of times in brewing

After each renewal of water, the leaching active ingredients decrease from tea leaves. The soluble substances can extract 50% to 55% from tea after the first infusion and 30% after the second infusion.

The tea color fades through infusions and nutrients disappear, while harmful elements leach at the end. Thus it's inappropriate to brew tea for many times.

Three infusions are normally recommended for green tea, black tea, and scented tea. Oolong tea can be brewed 4 to 6 times continuously to take full advantage of the active ingredients. Only one infusion is good for broken tea, White Pekoe Silver Needle, and Junshan Silver Needle.

In addition, bagged tea is usually the tea powder of black tea, green tea, scented tea or Pu'er tea, which is easy to extract and only one infusion is enough.

Gongfu Tea-making etiquette

1. Physical Requirements

Walking: walk with two hands crossed in the lower abdomen.

Standing: stand in the best performing posture, notice the facial expressions, and cast the beautiful, sincere eyes to the audience.

Sitting: sit cross-legged.

Kneeling: with knees touching the ground, sit the hip on your legs.

Salute: mainly a bow. Bow deeply and slowly to show deep and sincere respect.

2. Specifications on brewing tea

When making tea, sit quietly with straight spine, and maintain a beautiful, elegant posture. Don't lift up your arms and shoulders high when holding the teapot, or pouring tea or water. Don't tilt your body.

Try not to speak to avoid affecting the aroma and air of tea.

Don't put the spout towards to the guests but to yourself to show respect for the guests.

When pouring tea, do not act too much like the palms facing up, and it is a sense of indecency.

Gongfu Tea-serving etiquette

1. Way of tea-serving

Tea-serving, in general, is to hold the cup body with the thumb and index finger of the right hand, wipe the bottom of the cup on the tea towel, use the left thumb and middle finger to hold both sides of the middle of the cup, put the holder on the tea towel, and then present the tea cup with both hands to customers. Offer the tea with the left hand, and make the please position with the right hand, saying "Please drink tea". The guests indicate with the right hand and say "Thank you".

If there are two or more guests, the tea must be offered in uniform color, and put in the tea tray. Hold the bottom with left hand and the edge with another hand. Serve the tea with the right hand on the guests?right side.

2. Sequence of tea serving

Guests first, and then the host.

The guest of honor first, and then the second main guest.

Women first, and then men.

The elder first, and then the younger.

3. Three principles of tea-serving

Distance: don't place the tea tray too close or too far to the guest. It's too close when guests hold a cup with the bending angle of the arm less than 90 degrees, whereas it's too far if they straight arm to get the cup.

Height: don't make the tea tray side too high or too low. If too high, it's hard for guests to pick up the cup, and if too low, your body will bend badly. The proper height is to allow guests to see the tea at a 45 degree angle of depression.

Stability: be sure to stable the tea tray. When guests hold the cup steadily, move slowly the tea tray, so as not to upset the cup.

Gong Fu Tea-tasting etiquette

1. Tea-tasting with a glasss

When having a green tea or fruit tea, take a deep and straight transparent glass. First, put tea leaves into the glass, pour the boiling water of 80℃ and stop when the water is 1.5 cm nearby the mouth of the cup, and stir gently with a spoon or a stirring rod. Put the glass on the table, with one hand touching the cup body and the other hand's thumb and middle finger (or index finger) handling spoon, slowly stirring in a clockwise direction. After a few times, the tea is changed into the transparent color like crystal with fragrance overflowing.

2. Tea-serving with a gaiwan

If the liquid is very hot, the taster can blow gently with his mouth to help cooling. But don't make a noise.

3. Tea-serving with a porcelain cup

Porcelain cup is appropriate for black tea. Put tea leaves into the cup, and only infuse seven tenths of water. Otherwise, it will not meet the tea etiquette. Moreover, too much water may cause burning to the guests or yourself.

The standard of tasting gongfu tea

Observe, smell, taste, and savor

Observe the dry tea, liquid and brewed tea leaves

Firstly, observe the dry tea. Different teas look differently. Tea is divided into bud tea, leaf tea, roundness tea, and stick tea. Each tea differs in color, character, uniformity, tight, and details. Secondly, observe the liquid. Judge the quality and category of tea according to the liquid's freshness and brightness and transparency.

Thirdly, observe brewed tea leaves. That includes thickness, uniformity, and completion of tea leaves. Also remember to observe whether petals have scorch batches, red veins, and red stalks.

Smell in three different phases

Smell when it's dry. It is to smell before brewing and to judge whether the tea is old, rotten, or other bad smells.

Smell in the process of brewing. Smell the rising hot-gas and the special fragrant smell released from the liquid. Smells vary: sweet smell, fire smell, clear smell, flower smell, chestnut smell, etc. These smells are mellow, quiet elegant, refreshing, or natural.

Smell after brewing. Smell the fragrance left on the tea cover and cup bottom. When drinking, other fragrances covered by high temperature will release slowly, smell again, aftertaste the soup.

Three taste aspects

First aspect. To taste the duration of heating, and tell whether it's heated too long, sufficiently, or not enough, or it just has the smell of the sunshine.

Second aspect. To taste the flavor, let the tea water flows in the mouth, and experience sufficiently feelings that the tea brings to different organs so that you can tell the different characters.

Third aspect. After having experienced the taste of tea, aftertaste the lingering charm left in the mouth.

Three aftertaste aspects

Firstly, use the root of tongue to aftertaste the sweetness of the liquid.

Secondly, use the teeth to cheek the aftertaste of the liquid's fragrance.

Thirdly, experience continuous freshness in the throat.

Above are all the details about gongfu tea sets and gong fu tea ceremony, it looks like a bit complex. No worries, below is a simple video to show you how to brew gongfu cha by kung fu tea sets in a simple gongfu tea ceremony way. Take it easy and enjoy this video

Ready to raise your tea experience? Try our series of high-end tea sets in the gongfu style and discover the original pleasure of brewing tea.