Material:
Wood Ash Glaze "Blue and White" Porcelain from JingDeZhen
Painting:
Hand Painting "Tea Leaf & Flower".
Gaiwan:
Height: 9cm * Diameter of upper side 8.5cm.
Capacity is around 100ml.
Cup:
Height 4.7cm* Diameter 6cm
Capacity is around 40ml.
This Gaiwan, embellished with a "Tea Leaf & Flower" hand-painted design, is a fine example of blue and white porcelain, a style that is emblematic of Chinese ceramic artistry. The use of wood ash glaze gives this piece a distinctive finish, with subtle variations that only handcrafting can achieve. The illustration of tea leaves and flowers is not just decorative; it's a homage to the very essence of the tea within.
The Gaiwan is a traditional Chinese tea vessel, known for its three-part composition: a Lid, Body, and Saucer, which together are referred to as "San Gai Wan." This Gaiwan serves as an essential instrument in the Gongfu tea ceremony, designed to fully extract the nuanced flavors of fine tea leaves.
To enjoy tea from this Gaiwan, one should follow these steps:
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Begin by placing 4-8 grams of tea leaves into the bowl. The amount can be adjusted depending on the desired strength of the tea.
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Gently pour boiling water over the leaves. If you're brewing green or black tea, the water should be slightly cooler, at approximately 85-92 degrees Celsius, to avoid bitterness and ensure a smooth flavor profile.
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Place the lid on the Gaiwan and promptly decant the water. This initial infusion is not for drinking but rather serves to rinse and awaken the tea leaves, priming them for the full expression of their flavors.
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Continue with subsequent infusions, pouring out the tea to savor the "tea soup." With each steeping, consider extending the time slightly to develop a richer infusion, tailored to your taste preference.
The Gaiwan is not only a functional item for steeping tea but also a piece of art. It invites a pause to appreciate the beauty of the leaves unfurling and the poetry of the tea ceremony itself. As both a collectible and a daily use item, it represents the harmony between beauty and practicality that is at the heart of Chinese tea culture.