Gilt Silver Dragon Fair Cup / Gongdao Bei | (Blue & White) -(Underglaze Red)

The Art of Gilt Silver, Blue-and-White & Underglaze Red

Crafting this Fairness Cup brings together three of the most exacting techniques in ceramic history—each demanding years of mastery, together forming a true test of artisan skill.

Gilt Silver

The process begins with pure silver, ground into an ultra-fine powder. Using a steady hand and deep material knowledge, the artisan brushes the powder onto the ceramic surface. The piece is then fired at a precisely controlled high temperature. If the temperature is too low, the silver fails to bond; too high, and it may blister or lose its subtle luster.

Blue-and-White with Underglaze Red

Underglaze red is one of the most temperamental colors in ceramics. Derived from copper oxide, its final hue—ranging from deep crimson to soft ruby—depends on exacting control of kiln temperature and oxygen levels. A shift of mere degrees can turn it gray or cause it to dissipate entirely.

Blue-and-white, painted with cobalt oxide, is more stable on its own. But when combined with underglaze red in a single firing, the challenge intensifies. The two pigments have different optimal firing conditions. Achieving vibrant cobalt blue alongside a brilliant copper red on the same piece requires extraordinary precision and intuitive mastery of the kiln.

A Triple Challenge

Adding gilt silver to this already demanding combination multiplies the complexity. Three distinct techniques—each sensitive to temperature and application—must be perfectly executed on one vessel. The result is not merely a functional tea tool, but a collectible work of art that represents the pinnacle of traditional ceramic craftsmanship.

The Gongdao Bei (Fairness Cup) combines the timeless elegance of blue-and-white porcelain with the rare underglaze red technique, accented by a gilt silver finish. The smooth interior transparent glaze ensures non-absorbent tea service, while the ergonomic design delivers comfortable grip and precise, even pouring—perfect for discerning tea lovers.

How to use the Gongdao Bei/Fairness Cup

• Pour – Transfer the brewed tea from the teapot into the fairness cup.
• Balance – The tea concentration evens out, ensuring consistency for all guests.
• Strain & Cool – Any loose leaves are filtered out, and the tea temperature becomes more comfortable for tasting.
• Serve – Pour from the fairness cup into each individual tea cup, giving everyone an equal share of the same flavor.