“To enjoy good tea, one must use a gaiwan, and so I do. Indeed, after brewing, the tea is clear in color and sweet in taste, subtly fragrant with a hint of bitterness—a truly fine tea.”

—Lu Xun, “On Drinking Tea”

The gaiwan is one of China's historically significant and widely used tea utensils, originating from Sichuan during the Tang Dynasty and becoming popular in the imperial capital during the Qing Dynasty. The gaiwan has a lid above, a saucer below, and a bowl in the middle, embodying the ancient concept of heaven, earth, and humanity. It symbolizes a small universe and reflects the philosophical idea that “heaven covers, earth supports, and humans nurture,” showcasing harmony between humans and nature.

In ancient times, people drank directly from the gaiwan, while nowadays it is primarily used for brewing tea. Whether as a tasting vessel or a brewing tool, its primary purpose lies in appreciating the “color, aroma, taste, and appearance.” In modern tea ware, the gaiwan is known as an “all-purpose tea utensil.” Widely used in daily life, in teahouses, tea shops, and at various tea events and activities, gaiwans are almost always the choice for brewing tea.

Why is the gaiwan more popular than other tea utensils?

1Control over Pouring Speed and Strength

When using a gaiwan to brew tea, you can control the steeping time according to your taste preferences to adjust the strength. For example, delicate teas like Green Tea can easily become bitter if steeped for too long. When drinking from a gaiwan, you don't need to lift the lid completely; instead, you can leave it partially open, allowing the tea to infuse slowly without entering your mouth. If you want a stronger infusion, you can gently stir the surface of the tea with the lid, creating a milder taste with a lighter touch and a stronger taste with a firmer one.

2Conducive to Observation

Brewing tea in a cup makes it difficult to regulate the strength, while using a Teapot hinders the appreciation of color and appearance. Although the gaiwan does not enhance the flavor of the tea, it allows for the most authentic representation of its qualities. With a gaiwan, you can observe the entire process of the tea leaves unfurling by simply lifting the lid, and smelling the lid reveals the essence of the tea. That's why gaiwans are typically used for tea competitions and professional evaluations.

3Suitable for All Types of Tea

Ceramic gaiwans are glazed and fired at high temperatures, making them highly dense and less prone to absorbing odors, preserving the original flavors. Generally speaking, gaiwans are suitable for brewing any type of tea, which is their greatest advantage over other tea utensils.

While gaiwans are excellent, holding them gracefully and brewing good tea is an art. Some tea enthusiasts may experience issues such as slow pouring and burning their hands when handling them.

What should you consider when choosing and using a gaiwan?

Capacity

A gaiwan with a small capacity can result in overly concentrated tea if the steeping time isn't controlled well, while a large capacity can produce a weak brew if too much water is added. Therefore, the choice of gaiwan capacity should vary according to personal preference, with moderation being key. For women with smaller hands, a smaller teaware is ideal, with 100-120 ml being the most appropriate size. Men who generally consume larger quantities of tea might prefer a larger gaiwan, with 300 ml being sufficient, although 150 ml is also a suitable size.

Material

Different materials give gaiwans different weights, and choosing one that is comfortable to hold will make pouring easier. Typically, thin white porcelain gaiwans are lightweight and better for observing the tea's color. Gaiwans made from thicker clay should be selected carefully. Thicker clay gaiwans not only retain heat but are also heavier, making them uncomfortable to hold, especially when they become hot and can cause hand fatigue.

Appearance

When selecting a gaiwan, many people first consider its aesthetic appeal—the patterns and designs. However, in the context of brewing tea, the tea is the ruler, and the utensil is the subject. As a tea utensil, the gaiwan's primary function is to serve the purpose of brewing a good cup of tea. Besides aesthetics, it's crucial to pay attention to the details of the bowl, lid, and saucer, such as the height and width of the bowl and the distance of the rim. In general, we recommend wider-rimmed gaiwans. A wide rim with a large curve not only aids in heat dissipation but also allows the tea to flow smoothly into a sharing pitcher.

Usage

One of the advantages of the gaiwan is its versatility. You can adjust the opening size according to the shape or size of the tea leaves. When pouring, your wrist should rotate approximately 130 degrees, and your elbow should be parallel to your body. In this ideal position, you can achieve a waterfall-like pour in one smooth motion, with the pouring point located between your thumb and middle finger, avoiding burns on either side of your hand.