Our Yixing Gaiwan is made in Yixing, China, as the name implies, from the same purple clay as our Yixing teapots. This, however, is glazed, giving it a more modern, finished appearance. Unlike most gaiwans, you will see that this one has a spout. This gives it a lot more flexibility in usage for a beginning gaiwan user. The proportion, wide opening and smartly shaped lid and lid button are all designed to suit gong fu tea ergonomics.
This is a semi-handmade item. Slight variations in color, pattern, shape and details from the particular one used in these pictures should be expected. Slight irregularities in shape, size, finishing smoothness and detail styling is not uncommon. Because this gaiwan is glazed it does not need to be seasoned. Nevertheless, care should be taken when washing, and no soap products should be used.
Approximate Capacity: 4.5 fl oz (133ml)
Approximate Bowl Dimension: 1 7/8" ht, 3 7/8" dia
Approximate Plate Dimension: 3/4" ht, 4 3/8" dia
For centuries, the Yixing teapots have been known to be the best vessel for brewing tea. With continued usage the clay, from which the Yixing teapots are made, will absorb the aroma and flavors of your tea, which is why it is customary to brew only one kind of tea in a particular pot. Over time, it is said that it is not even necessary to add tea leaves to the pot, just hot water. They have the ability to withstand high temperatures and are slow to conduct heat; therefore, the handle remains comfortably cool even when pouring very hot tea. Throughout the ages they have been renowned for their unique artistry and practical usage by incorporating the concepts of aesthetic beauty and natural harmony.
In the Song dynasty Yixing zisha (purple clay) teapots were very simple, not at all ornate. As the centuries progressed they became more and more elaborate, decorative and elegant. As a matter of fact, the Forbidden City did not accept the Zisha teapot into its collection until the early Qing dynasty (1644 - 1911 A.D.) By that time the Zisha teapot had been elevated to an artistic form, and potters and scholars worked together to make beautiful, ornate pot styles.
