Gaiwans

Gaiwans

The gaiwan, which means lidded bowl, consists of a saucer, cup, and lid. Each of the individual components serves a purpose:

  • The saucer allows you to hold a cup of hot tea.
  • The cup allows you to brew and drink tea.
  • The lid allows you to push aside floating tea leaves on the surface of the cup for easy tea enjoyment.
    • The gaiwan is especially suitable for use with superior spring tea such as Bi Luo Chun, Huangshan Maofeng or Xihu Longjing tea picked before the Pure Brightness Festival. Although one can brew the tea and drink straight from the gaiwan, it is preferable to brew the tea in the gaiwan and then dispense the tea into a serving pitcher (cha hai.) From there the tea is poured directly into the aroma cup or tasting cup.