Teaware

Chahai — 茶海 ('sea of tea'), also 公道杯 (gongdao bei — 'fairness cup') — an important vessel into which we pour tea from the brewing pot so that every guest receives the same concentration and taste, because tea brews unevenly inside the teapot or gaiwan. It also separates the liquor from the leaves and stops over-steeping, since every second of brewing affects flavour. When choosing a chahai, first check its volume: it should be larger than the brewing vessel. Tall and narrow chahais keep temperature longer, while wide and low ones cool faster. Choose the one that feels right for you, and read more about choosing ware in the blog.