This Rustic Gaiwan is a fine specimen of Chinese Gongfu tea ware. With a capacity of 150cc, it is ideally sized for the Gongfu tea ceremony, allowing for precise control over the steeping process of various teas. The Gaiwan stands at 9.7cm in height and spans 8.0cm in diameter, offering a comfortable fit for handling during the intricate steps of tea preparation.
The Gaiwan features two patterns of scenery painting, each telling a different story:
"Sui Han San You" – Typically, this refers to the three friends of winter: pine, bamboo, and plum. These plants symbolize steadfastness, perseverance, and resilience because they endure and remain green throughout the winter.
"Jun Zi Zhi Feng" – This pattern may depict the ideals of a gentleman, a common theme in traditional Chinese art that is often associated with grace, integrity, and moral rectitude.
Crafted as a "San Gai Wan," this vessel includes three parts: the lid, body, and saucer. The lid is designed to hold in the aroma and flavors during brewing, the body holds the tea and water, and the saucer serves as a protective base, ensuring stability and ease of
handling while also catching any drips.
To use the Gaiwan:
Place 4-8 grams of tea into the body. This amount can be adjusted based on the specific tea type and personal preference.
Pour water heated to the correct temperature over the tea leaves. For green or black teas, water should ideally be around 85-92 degrees Celsius.
Cover with the lid and then quickly decant the water. This initial step is known as rinsing the tea, which helps to clean the leaves and awakens their flavors.
Continue the process, steeping the tea leaves again and enjoying the tea soup. With each infusion, you may extend the steeping time to extract a fuller flavor, according to your taste preference.
This Gaiwan is
not only a functional piece for the art of tea but also an ornamental treasure, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Chinese ceramics. Whether for daily use or special occasions, this Gaiwan enhances the tea experience, making it a thoughtful gift for any tea enthusiast or a valuable addition to a collector's array of tea wares.
A very nice little gaiwan! In person there’s more of a blueish cast to the glaze than you see in the photos, but it works with the design so I’m not mad about it. Came very securely packaged.
