Starter Gaiwan Set.

Tue, Jan 12, 2021 3-minute read

A starter gaiwan set perfect for a couple!

country of origin: china

material: ceramic with an ice crack glaze

cost: $69.95

where to buy: music city tea

pros:

  • affordable considering what is included in set
  • great for a couple
  • tea tray included as part of set

cons:

  • cannot see color of liquor clearly because of color

Set Includes

  • Gaiwan, 4oz
  • Saucer
  • Chahai (Pouring Pot), 4oz
  • 4x tea cups, 1oz.
  • Fine mesh strainer
  • Filter holder
  • Small tea tray

How to Use

A Gaiwan is a classic Chinese tea brewing vessel that translates literally to “Bowl and Lid”. A gaiwan is composed of a bowl, a lid, and a saucer. Compared to the western method of brewing, this method gives tea drinkers more control in how they brew their tea. A tea tray holds the tea pots and cups, and it catches any overflow of water or water discarded in the process of brewing.

  1. Gather your tools and tea.
  2. Warm the gaiwan, chahai, and teacups with boiled water.
  3. Discard the water.
  4. Add tea leaves to gaiwan. The amount of leaves is dependent on the tea being drunk.
  5. Rinse the tea by covering the leaves with water and immediately discarding the water.
  6. Appreciate the aroma of the awakened leaves!
  7. Infuse the tea by pouring water just below the rim of the gaiwan, covering the tea with the lid, and brewing the tea for the desired amount of time.
  8. Place the strainer on the opening of the chahai.
  9. Create a small opening with lid and pour the liquor into the chahai, filtering the tea in the process.
  10. Pour the liqour into the tea cups.
  11. Enjoy the tea and repeat!

How to Care

As this set has an ice crack glaze (also known as a crackle glaze), it is not recommended to place in a dishwasher.

Wash the tea set by hand with soap and water. Allow to air dry or towel dry.

Reflection

I chose this set for a few reasons:

  1. It’s a smaller set so it was perfect for me and the love of my life. (I didn’t need 8 tea cups or aroma cups!)
  2. It comes with a tea tray.
  3. It’s a very pretty shade of green!

As my first introduction to gong fu tea ceremonies, I wanted a set that was convenient, affordable, and visually pleasing at the same time. So far, this tea set has been a pleasure to use and to look at! It’s perfect for our Sunday morning tea dates due to its size. As it’s ceramic, it doesn’t affect the taste of tea (at least none that I can tell). It’s also light-weight and has been a joy to learn how to use properly.

The only down-side is that because it’s green, you can’t see the color of the liquor clearly. That said, I did choose it specifically because it wasn’t white! Maybe as I continue this journey, I’ll find a white tea cup to appreciate the color of tea.