e gaiwan, decant the liquid, drink from the cups.
5. Washing with soap. Ceramic and clay chahais should be rinsed with hot water only — soap leaves a residue that affects the tea.
Cleaning and Care
- Glass chahai: Dishwasher-safe, but hand-washing with hot water is gentler
- Porcelain chahai: Hand-wash with hot water; avoid abrasive sponges on glazed surfaces
- Yixing/clay chahai: Rinse with hot water only, air-dry upside down. Never use soap.
For Yixing care, see our Yixing teapot guide and for brewing white tea in your chahai see our white tea guide.
Buying Recommendations
Budget (under $20)
- A simple 200ml glass chahai with a side handle. Available on Amazon, Yami, AliExpress. Look for “borosilicate glass” if possible (more thermal-shock resistant).
Mid-range ($20-50)
- A 200-250ml white porcelain chahai with a long spout. Dehua or Jingdezhen porcelain is the standard.
- A 250ml celadon chahai for a more classic look.
Premium ($50+)
- A handmade Yixing chahai, dedicated to one tea type.
- A wood-and-porcelain combination chahai (less common, but beautiful).
For most people, a glass chahai in the $15-25 range is the right starting point. You can always upgrade later.
What About the “Pitcher” in English?
In English, “fairness pitcher” and “fairness cup” are the most common translations. “Tea sea” is a literal but poetic translation. “Gong dao bei” is the term used in Taiwanese tea culture. All refer to the same tool.
Where to Go Next
- How to Use a Gaiwan — the brewing vessel that pairs with a chahai
- Yixing Teapot Guide — for unglazed clay options
- How to Choose Your First Gaiwan — the chahai’s partner
- Essential Teaware for Gongfu Tea — the full setup
A chahai is the second-most-important piece of teaware in a gongfu setup (after the brewing vessel itself). It costs little, lasts decades, and transforms the way you brew. If you only buy one new teaware item this year, make it a chahai.
The statements in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.