Japanese Shino Kiln-Change Hand-Painted Black Cat Square Gongfu Fairness Cup - 160ml

A characterful Japanese-inspired Shino-style fairness cup with a softly squared silhouette, warm kiln-change glaze and a hand-painted black cat motif. Designed as a compact Gongfu tea pitcher, it combines practical pouring with the relaxed, expressive look of rustic artisan teaware.

Square Cha Hai Form with Black Cat Character

The gently squared body and integrated pouring lip create a distinctive profile that stands apart from conventional round fairness cups. A seated black cat motif wraps across the front, bringing a playful focal point to the tea table while preserving the understated, earthy feel of Shino-inspired ceramics.

Hand-Painted Silver-Tone Details

Fine decorative accents are added around details such as the whiskers, paws and tail, creating subtle highlights against the matte black cat illustration. These accents are decorative details on a ceramic vessel rather than solid silver construction.

Specifications

Type: Gongfu fairness cup / Cha Hai / tea pitcher
Material: ceramic
Capacity: approx. 160ml
Length: approx. 9.7cm
Height: approx. 7.3cm
Form: softly squared body with integrated spout
Style: Japanese-inspired Shino kiln-change
Decoration: hand-painted black cat with silver-tone accents

Why Use a Fairness Cup?

In Gongfu tea service, a fairness cup receives brewed tea from the teapot or gaiwan before it is divided between tasting cups. This helps keep the strength of each serving more even and gives the host better control over the pour.

Tea Table Styling

Pair this piece with dark walnut, bamboo, natural linen, stone or rustic glazed teaware. Its black cat motif works especially well in a personal tea corner, study, tea room or Neo-Chinese interior where one expressive object can add warmth without making the setting feel overly formal.

Tea Pairing

The warm glaze and earthy visual character complement Wuyi rock tea, roasted oolong, black tea, aged white tea and fermented teas particularly well, while the neutral ceramic body makes it suitable for a wide range of loose-leaf tea sessions.

Gift Appeal

A practical choice for Gongfu tea drinkers and an easy collectible for cat lovers, this fairness cup works equally well as functional teaware, a tea-table accent or a thoughtful gift.

Care

Rinse gently after use and dry thoroughly. Avoid abrasive pads, sudden temperature changes and hard impacts. Minor differences in glaze tone, speckling and painted detail are normal for kiln-effect and hand-finished ceramic pieces.

FAQ

What is the capacity?
Approximately 160ml.

How large is it?
It measures about 9.7cm in length and 7.3cm in height.

What is a fairness cup used for?
It is used to receive brewed tea before pouring into individual tasting cups, helping distribute tea more evenly between guests.

Is the cup made of silver?
No. The vessel is ceramic. The silver-tone elements are decorative painted accents.

Will every piece look identical?
No. Small differences in kiln coloration, glaze texture and hand-painted details are part of the individual character of this style.