The Gongdao Cup#

The Gongdao Cup, also known as the Fairness Cup, is similar to what is commonly called a tea pitcher or tea server.

The function of the Gongdao Cup is, simply put, to hold the brewed tea liquid, preventing the tea leaves from steeping for too long and becoming bitter. It also serves the purpose of evaluation and even distribution of tea flavor.

When brewing tea, it's inevitable that the tea isn't always drunk immediately. If it continues to steep in the teapot, the tea liquid will become too strong and bitter. To maintain the tea liquid at its most suitable and sweetest state, it should be poured into another vessel after brewing. Thus, the Gongdao Cup came into being.

The Gongdao Cup not only prevents over-steeping, but also has the function of harmonizing the strength of the tea. If the taste of different brews is too strong or too weak, it can be adjusted to achieve the most suitable strength and taste.

In addition, the Gongdao Cup can evenly distribute the tea liquid to multiple guests, allowing each guest to taste the same quality of tea.

This is the origin of the names Gongdao Cup and Fairness Cup.