SILINE Zisha Gongfu Teacup Set

These aren't meant for casual sipping—they're designed specifically for gongfu cha, the traditional Chinese tea ceremony. The small size is intentional: you brew strong, concentrated infusions and drink them quickly while they're hot, then immediately re-steep the leaves for another round. It's about savoring multiple infusions from the same leaves, not gulping down a big mug. If you're used to Western-style tea drinking, these will feel tiny, but for gongfu brewing (especially with pu'erh or oolong), this 2.2 oz capacity is actually perfect.

Yixing clay (also called zisha) is prized by serious tea drinkers because it's porous and actually absorbs some of the tea's oils over time, developing what's called a 'tea patina.' This means your cups will get more seasoned and enhance the flavor with each use. The purple clay also retains heat nicely—reviewers specifically mentioned good temperature retention—so your tea stays warm through multiple infusions. Plus, these cups are just stunning to look at with their natural clay color and lotus flower carvings.

Honestly? These are really geared toward people who already know their way around gongfu tea brewing. If you're just starting to explore loose-leaf tea, you might want to begin with something simpler and less delicate. But if you already have a Yixing teapot or you're ready to dive into traditional Chinese tea ceremony, these cups are an authentic, beautiful addition to your setup. Several reviewers mention using them specifically with their Yixing teapot sets, and they appreciate the traditional craftsmanship.

According to reviewers, they're surprisingly comfortable to hold despite being small and made of clay. The lotus flower design isn't just decorative—it adds texture that makes them easier to grip. They come in a padded storage box too, which is a nice touch for protecting them between uses. One minor heads-up: a couple people mentioned the box arrived a bit dusty, so you might want to rinse the cups before first use.

Reviewers are genuinely impressed with the craftsmanship. People specifically call out the 'build quality' and 'aesthetic appeal' as standout features. The lotus carvings are detailed, the clay feels authentic, and they look beautiful on a tea table. For Yixing clay cups at this price point, you're getting solid quality. Just be aware that these are handcrafted clay items—they're meant to be handled with care, not tossed in the dishwasher.

The main concern from reviews was one case where the package arrived incomplete, which seems like a shipping/quality control issue rather than a product design flaw. Otherwise, these cups perform exactly as expected for gongfu tea service. Just make sure you're ordering from a reliable seller and check the package when it arrives to confirm all three cups are included.