SILINE Zisha Gongfu Teacup Set

For gongfu tea cups specifically, you want to look at size (1-3 oz is standard), material quality, heat management, and craftsmanship. These SILINE cups check those boxes well — they're 2.2 oz, made from Yixing purple clay, and reviewers highlight that they maintain temperature well without getting too hot to hold comfortably. The lotus flower design is another detail buyers love, with 8 reviewers specifically mentioning the aesthetic appeal. The padded storage case is a nice bonus that you don't always get with tea cups at this price.

They'll work with any small teapot, but they're specifically designed to pair with Yixing clay teapots for gongfu brewing. Reviewers who use them with Yixing teapots note they match well both aesthetically and functionally. That said, you can absolutely use them with a porcelain gaiwan or any other small teapot — the 2.2 oz size is standard for gongfu practice regardless of teapot material.

Yes — reviewers specifically mention using these for pu'erh tea. Pu'erh is one of the teas that benefits most from gongfu-style brewing with multiple short infusions, and the porous zisha clay is traditionally paired with pu'erh because the clay absorbs the tea's character over time. In fact, many serious pu'erh drinkers dedicate specific zisha cups to pu'erh only, so having a set of 3 is perfect for that purpose.

Absolutely. The included padded decorative case with a swing latch closure is specifically designed for portability. Several reviewers highlight the case as a standout feature, noting it keeps the cups secure and protected. It's a thoughtful touch that makes this set practical for office tea sessions, visiting friends, or bringing along on trips.

The lotus flower design is carved or embossed into the zisha clay, and it's consistently the most-mentioned feature in reviews — 8 separate buyers commented on the aesthetic appeal. Reviewers describe the cups as visually attractive, with the lotus design giving them an authentic traditional Chinese look. Since they're unglazed purple clay, the design has a subtle, earthy quality rather than a painted-on appearance.

Yes. Multiple reviewers who practice gongfu cha confirm these cups are appropriate for serious tea ceremony use. The Yixing purple clay is the traditional material, the 2.2 oz size is correct for gongfu brewing, and the construction quality is described as heavy-duty and well-made. They're not museum-quality artisan pieces, but for regular practice and hosting tea sessions, they deliver on authenticity.

They're actually excellent as a gift. The padded decorative box with its swing latch closure has a presentation quality that reviewers specifically praised — it exceeded expectations. The lotus flower design is visually striking, and the set feels substantial and well-crafted. For anyone interested in Chinese tea culture or gongfu brewing, this is a thoughtful and usable gift that won't just sit on a shelf.

If you're used to drinking from a standard mug (8-12 oz), these will feel tiny at first. But that's by design — gongfu brewing uses small cups because you're doing multiple short infusions of the same leaves, sipping and comparing as the flavor evolves. You'll typically go through 5-10 steeps in a session, so you're actually drinking a reasonable amount of tea overall. That said, if you just want a big cup of tea to carry around, these definitely aren't the right choice.

Three cups is a classic gongfu setup — it's enough for yourself and two guests, which is the traditional intimate tea-sharing experience. Reviewers mention using them for social tea sessions with friends and family. If you regularly host larger groups, you might want two sets. For solo sessions, having three cups lets you pour multiple steeps and compare them side by side.

Absolutely. While pu'erh was specifically mentioned by reviewers, these cups work well for any tea brewed gongfu style — oolongs, black teas, white teas, and aged teas all benefit from the small-cup, multiple-infusion approach. Just keep in mind that since zisha clay absorbs flavors, many tea enthusiasts recommend dedicating a set to one tea family rather than switching between very different types.

Zisha (literally 'purple sand') refers to a special type of clay found near Yixing, China that's been used for teaware for centuries. Zisha clay is prized because it's porous — it absorbs the flavors and oils of tea over time, which means your teaware actually improves with use. These SILINE cups are made from Yixing purple clay, the same material used in traditional zisha teapots. Reviewers note they pair nicely with Yixing teapots, which makes sense since matching clay types creates a cohesive tea session.

A traditional gongfu tea set typically includes a small teapot or gaiwan, a fairness pitcher (cha hai), a strainer, and several small cups. These SILINE zisha cups would be the cup component of that setup. They come as a set of 3, which is a good starting point for serving yourself and a couple of guests. The included padded storage case with a swing latch makes it easy to keep them together as part of your gongfu setup.

These aren't tumblers — they're traditional Chinese gongfu tea cups, and they serve a very different purpose. While tumblers are designed for portability and large volumes, gongfu cups are intentionally small (these are 2.2 oz) so you can focus on the flavor nuances of each short infusion. Think of it like wine tasting versus drinking a pint of beer — different tools for different experiences. If you're looking for large-volume tea drinking, these aren't the right choice. But for savoring tea slowly across multiple steeps, that's exactly what they're designed for.

The key difference is material. Porcelain is non-porous and neutral — it won't affect your tea's flavor, which makes it great for tasting teas objectively. Yixing zisha clay like these SILINE cups is porous, so it absorbs and subtly enhances flavor over time. Zisha also handles heat differently, staying comfortable to hold while keeping tea warm. Many gongfu practitioners own both and use porcelain for comparing teas and zisha for daily drinking pleasure.

Zisha clay requires simple but specific care. Never use soap — the porous clay absorbs it and it'll affect the taste of your tea. Just rinse with hot water after each use and let them air dry. Over time, the clay will develop a patina as it absorbs tea oils, which is desirable — it's called 'seasoning' and it subtly enhances flavor. Some drinkers dedicate specific cups to specific tea types (pu'erh, oolong, etc.) to build a more focused seasoning.

Gongfu brewing shines brightest with teas that have complex, evolving flavors across multiple steeps. Oolong teas (especially Tieguanyin and Dan Cong), pu'erh (both raw and ripe), and high-quality Chinese black teas like Keemun or Jin Jun Mei are all excellent choices. One reviewer specifically mentions using these for pu'erh. The small 2.2 oz size lets you really focus on how each steep changes character.

Yes. Yixing purple clay has been used for teaware in China for over 500 years. It's a natural, unglazed material with no chemical coatings or treatments. Unlike some glazed ceramics that can contain lead or cadmium, zisha clay is fired unglazed, so there's nothing between you and the natural clay. It's one of the most trusted materials in traditional tea culture.

When it comes to traditional Chinese tea sets, Yixing zisha (purple clay) teaware is among the most valued — both culturally and practically. These SILINE cups are made from genuine Yixing purple clay, which is the traditional material for serious gongfu tea practice. While these aren't high-end collector pieces, reviewers consistently describe them as high quality and well-made for the price, with heavy-duty construction that feels substantial in hand.

If you're new to gongfu tea, these SILINE cups are a great starting point. Reviewers specifically note they're beginner-friendly — the cups handle temperature well so they won't burn your hands, the included storage case means you're ready to go right out of the box, and the attractive lotus design makes the whole experience feel special. Start by brewing your tea in a small teapot or gaiwan, pour into the cups, and sip slowly. The small 2.2 oz size encourages you to slow down and actually taste your tea rather than just drinking it.

These SILINE cups actually solve the packing question for you — they come in a padded decorative box with a swing latch closure that's specifically designed for storage and transport. Multiple reviewers were impressed by the case quality, calling it travel-friendly and noting the padding exceeded their expectations. So you don't need to worry about packing them separately; just put them back in their case.

Unglazed clay like the Yixing purple clay used in these SILINE cups is considered one of the healthiest materials for tea drinking. It's completely natural — no chemicals, no coatings, no lead or cadmium concerns you might have with some glazed ceramics. The porous clay also interacts with your tea in a way that many drinkers say mellows the flavor slightly. If you're looking for drinkware that's both health-conscious and traditional, zisha clay is a solid choice.