What is Gongfu Tea?
Gongfu tea is the historically rich Chinese way of getting the best taste out of loose leaf tea, using one’s skill and patience. Jay Hendren (Gongfu Cha: A New American Luxury, Colorado Journal of Asian Studies) argues “gongfu is not a formal ceremony but rather a style of brewing and serving tea, even though the elaborate setup may suggest otherwise to non-Chinese.” However Gongfu tea can sometimes last a long time and be as complex as a ceremony. One could argue its status as a ceremony as witnessed from the precision of each step.
Serving gongfu tea is based on order, precision, mindfulness, and spirituality. It consists of multiple short infusions, bringing out the evolution of the tea’s taste.
I would argue that gongfu tea’s purpose (after making the best tasting tea) is to settle the host and guests in the present moment. Social connection is also a natural benefit of the gongfu ritual.
What is a Gongfu Tea Set?
A travel gongfu tea set or gongfu tea set have tools used in the Chinese way of brewing tea. It’s like the pilot’s instrument panel in a cockpit, each tool serving a specific function, order, and purpose. Here is a list of the specific tools typically used in a gongfu tea set and brewing session:
Specialty Tools:
I consider the following list of tools (seen in picture below) to be a really nice addition to the essential gongfu brewing tools. They serve as decorative and sometimes useful functions. I’ve been trying to use them more frequently for the time honored feeling of the art.
- Tea canister (茶筒 Chá Tǒng): Holds tea tools together. (Optional)
- Tea tongs (茶夹 Chá Jiā): Handles hot cups and keeps things clean. (Optional)
- (A.) Scraping spoon (刮匙 Guā Chí): Moves leaves from spoon to pot and removes used leaves from teapot. (Optional) 3. (B.) Tea needle (茶针 Chá Zhen): Clears clogged teapot spouts. (Optional)
- Tea awl (knife) (茶刀 Chá Dao): Breaks apart compressed tea. (Optional)
- Tea pet: Prevents splashing and adds a good luck charm. (Optional)
- Tea lotus (茶则 Chá Zé): Displays dry leaves and guides them into the pot. (Optional)
- Tea brush (茶刷 Chá Shua): Spreads water/tea on teaware and teapet for even sheen. (Optional)
- Tea spoon (茶匙 Chá Chí): Transfers dry tea leaves. (Optional)
- Tea towel (茶巾 Chá Jīn): Handles spills. (Optional)
Essential Tools:
Tea Leaves (茶叶): High-quality loose-leaf tea is recommended for Gongfu brewing.
Fairness cup (公道杯 Gōng Dào Bēi): Evenly distributes tea. (Essential)
Tasting cups (品茗杯 Pǐn Míng Bēi): For sharing tea. (Essential)
Gaiwan or teapot (蓋碗 Gài Wǎn / 茶壺 Chá Hú): For brewing tea. (Essential)
Kettle or Hot Water Source: Fresh water heated to the correct temperature is crucial for proper infusion.
Essential Components
The essential components of gongfu are everything necessary to do a simplified gongfu ritual. They are the foundation of every tea session I’ve seen, and come in almost every travel tea set. Without these elements, it would make the brewing of Chinese tea much more complicated.
The gaiwan or teapot is obvious. I can’t imagine brewing “ceremony quality” tea out of a coffee pot or coffee filer (I’ve heard that some have tried). I prefer a 120ml to 150 ml gaiwan, depending on the number of guests at my session. Use a larger vessel for more guests. Tasting cups are just as important for sipping and admiring the tasting notes and aroma of the tea.
During the tea steeping process, water spills are an unavoidable part of the fun of brewing Gongfu cha. While a tea towel adds to the aesthetic of the session, any towel will do the job.
Why Was "Travel Gongfu Tea Set" Invented?
The reason for the invention of the travel gongfu tea set was to take the enjoyment of having tea outdoors away from home during traveling, at work, or socializing outdoors. The travel tea set makes it possible to brew gongfu-style tea anywhere.
History of the Travel Tea Set
Travel Tea sets originated long ago in China, having roots in the Qing and Ming Dynasty around Guandong and Fujian. In the 19th century designs were refined.
On display at the Met art museum is a travel tea set crafted by Christopher Dresser (British, Scottish). That equipment included a tea kettle, spirit lamp, and teapot in a portable case. The Met states, ”The smaller pieces of this traveler’s tea-set are designed by their shapes and dimensions to fit neatly inside the interior of the two largest pieces, the tea kettle and tea pot.”
Tools in a Travel Gongfu Tea Set
A travel gongfu tea set simplifies the gongfu setup. It includes the essential tools needed to brew great tea without the full array of accessories shown in specialty tools above.
Portable Elements
My wife and I brought our travel gongfu tea set to Asia and Africa, enjoying steeps on verandas and terraces, watching life go by on the river and cityscape. We also liked bringing a portable gas stove to parks and enjoying the sounds of pure abundant nature.
Please enjoy a video taken at a Laos Hostel with our first generation travel gongfu tea set. It’s the best way to meet fellow travelers and share stories. I appreciate the joy that these sessions bring to our guests.
Unique Features
Our cloud travel tea set is a unique travel tea set because it doesn’t use a fairness cup. I typically pour directly into a larger master cup and later into the tasting cups. It isn’t always fair as having a fairness cup, but it’s easy to control the pours to match the tea liquors.
Benefits of aTravel Gongfu Tea Set
Besides the portability and convenience factors, a travel gongfu tea set brings mindfulness and lifestyle. Imagine having your own portable sanctuary for breaking up the inevitable stressful times in life. It becomes a portable ritual—something that brings calm and focus wherever you go.
Portability and Convenience
The Purcraftea Gaiwan Travel Tea Set reflects the mountainous landscape of Jingmai. This set can even be taken to the top of Mount Everest, if one doesn’t mind a little extra weight in their packs. Imagine sharing premium loose leaf tea with Sherpas, as you gasp for oxygen and take in the breathtaking views.
For most a lightweight yet durable set will be all they need, and is suited for both daily brewing and traditional gongfu sessions. It’s a simple and elegant introduction to Chinese tea ceremony, designed for beginners and seasoned tea drinkers alike.
Versatile Use Cases
It really is amazing how the parts of the travel gongfu tea set fit together in the case like a puzzle. Like Dresser’s 19th century tea set, the pieces fit together snug as a bug in a rug. Here is an example from our first generation Gaiwan travel tea set. Pay attention to how it nested all parts.
Like our cloud tea set, each piece of our second edition gaiwan travel tea set set fits securely within a structured yellow case, cushioned and protected by Flexible Polyurethane Foam for safe transport. A complimentary towel is included.
Conclusion
- A traditional gongfu tea set emphasizes precision and ritual, while a travel gongfu tea set focuses on simplicity and portability.
- By nesting components efficiently—like cups inside a teapot—a travel tea set allows you to bring the essence of gongfu tea anywhere. Go on the shop and purchase today. It’s limitless fun and admiration.