The fairness Cup, also known as a Tea divider,

is primarily used when pouring and distributing tea.

So, where does the fairness lie in the fairness cup?

This can be explained by its functions.

What are the functions of a fairness cup?

① Holding and standardizing the tea liquor

When brewing tea, it is often necessary to pour out the tea liquor promptly to separate the leaves from the water, avoiding oversteeping which can result in an overly concentrated flavor.

During tea distribution, without using a fairness cup, the concentration of the tea in each cup may vary. Such differences might not matter much when drinking alone, but when serving guests, it could inadvertently suggest favoritism.

Thus, using a fairness cup helps standardize the concentration of the tea liquor, ensuring everyone enjoys the same flavor profile, minimizing disparities, which is the embodiment of the fairness in the fairness cup.

② Moderately settling tea residue and cooling

In addition to standardizing the tea liquor, the fairness cup also serves to moderately settle tea residue and lower the temperature of the tea liquor, enhancing the overall tea-drinking experience.

Sometimes, a tea strainer is paired with the fairness cup, further filtering the tea residue as the tea liquor is poured, achieving multiple benefits at once.

How should one choose a fairness cup?

The designs of fairness cups are diverse, ranging from bowl-shaped to cup-shaped, with or without handles, and made from materials such as clay, porcelain, or glass, offering many options.

Regardless of its form, the essential function of a fairness cup remains the same. Convenience and practicality are the primary considerations when selecting one, followed by aesthetics.

When choosing a fairness cup, it should generally be slightly larger than the Teapot or Gaiwan being used, to ensure that all the tea liquor can be poured out in one go.

However, it's not always the case that bigger is better; it should be comfortable to handle. Additionally, check if the spout pours cleanly and doesn't drip down the outside of the cup when pouring is stopped.

Lastly, visually, the fairness cup should match well with other tea utensils.

Uniquely designed fairness cups are often sold in sets with other tea utensils.

White porcelain and glass fairness cups are more versatile and common, often being the top choice for tea enthusiasts. Their white color and translucency better showcase the color and texture of the tea liquor.~