G is for Gaiwan

Prior to Ming Dynasty China, tea was normally consumed from the vessel in which it was prepared. As described by the tea master Lu Yu, this special bowl had to be large enough to accommodate the implements and actions of tea brewing, though compact enough to be held comfortably in the hands for consumption. The term for this versatile piece of equipment was simply chawan (茶碗lit. “tea bowl”). It was during the Ming dynasty that the innovations in both tea ritual and tea preparation gave rise to a smaller, yet equally functional vessel called a gaiwan.

The gaiwan is considered by many tea connoisseurs to be the preferred method for brewing teas with delicate flavors and aromas, such as green tea and white tea. The versatility of the gaiwan is also noted in the preparation of oolong infusions because of this particular tea's ability to be infused multiple times, but the gaiwan is suitable for any type of tea. The gaiwan is important in tea tasting due to its open and glazed surfaces, the former allowing the tea to be viewed while brewing, and the latter not altering the taste and flavours of the tea. The gaiwan consists of a saucer, bowl, and lid. The lid allows the tea to be infused right in the bowl and either be drunk right from the bowl (traditionally using the lid to block the leaves for ease of consumption), or decanted into another container. The gaiwan itself can be made from myriad materials, from porcelain to glass. Gaiwans made from Yixing clay or jade are particularly prized by collectors of tea paraphernalia.

Among some tea afficionados, gaiwan is the preferred method for brewing green and white teas (not oolong as stated above) because the gaiwan's porcelain absorbs the heat and does not damage the tea. Gaiwans are less suitable black teas as the large lid allows heat to escape too quickly during the steeping process- black teas require boiling water for the full taste, and longer steeping times.

I had hoped to use this alphabet post as an excuse to go and buy another gaiwan. I particularly want an antique one. Alas, I've not found the perfect one yet.