The Rustic porcelain "GaiWan" featured here is not only a tool for the Gongfu tea ceremony but also a vessel that carries the weight of Chinese history and art. The full 180cc GaiWan is adorned with the calligraphy of "Lan Ting Ji Xu," penned by the revered calligraphy master Wang Xizhi in AD 353. This work is widely regarded as one of the high points of Chinese calligraphy, and having it on a GaiWan adds a layer of cultural significance to the tea-making process.
The "Gai Wan" or "San Gai Wan" consists of three parts: the lid, body, and saucer. Each component plays a role in the Gongfu tea steeping process, which is designed to extract the most flavor and aroma from the tea leaves. The usage steps are as follows:
Begin by placing 4-8 grams of tea leaves into the body of the GaiWan.
Pour water that has been heated to the optimal temperature over the tea leaves. For green or black teas, water temperatures around 85-92 degrees Celsius are ideal.
Quickly cover the GaiWan with the lid and then pour out the water. This initial step is for rinsing the tea leaves, a practice that helps to awaken their flavor.
Repeat the pouring and steeping process to enjoy the tea soup. With each subsequent infusion, you may wish to extend the steeping time slightly to extract a deeper infusion, tailored to personal taste preferences.
Using a GaiWan such as this not only enhances the flavor of the tea but also connects you to a centuries-old tradition of tea appreciation. The inclusion of such esteemed calligraphy on the GaiWan elevates the tea-drinking experience, making it a contemplative and aesthetic practice. This set, complete with a GaiWan, tea cup, pitcher, and strainer, each piece featuring matching calligraphy, would make a refined gift for a tea lover or an impressive addition to any tea ceremony collection.
