Gaiwan: A vessel that combines the fragrance of tea with elegance
In Chinese tea culture, the gaiwan (tea bowl) is one of the most iconic teaware. More than just a vessel for brewing tea, it's a symbol of taste and aesthetics. This small gaiwan carries the heartwarming dialogue between tea lovers and their tea for millennia.
1. The structure of the covered bowl
The covered bowl, also known as the "Three Talents Cup", symbolizes the sum of the three talents of "heaven, earth and man".
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Lid : symbolizes "sky", used to gather fragrance and control temperature;
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Bowl : symbolizes “people”, holds water or tea, and serves as a center for coordination;
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Support (base) : symbolizes the "ground" and plays the role of heat insulation, anti-slip and support.
The three complement each other and embody the "harmony" that the Chinese people value.
2. Common cup shapes and characteristics of gaiwan
Gaiwans come in a variety of shapes, each with its own unique feel and performance. Here are a few common styles:
1) Standard covered bowl (straight-mouthed bowl)
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Features : The rim of the bowl is slightly outward-slanted, the lines are smooth, and the lid fits tightly.
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Advantages : moderate capacity, uniform heat dissipation, and easy control;
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Suitable for brewing : green tea, yellow tea, white tea and other fragrant teas.
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Recommended reason : The aroma is concentrated but not stuffy, and can retain the freshness and clarity of the tea.
2) Bell-shaped covered bowl
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Features : The rim of the bowl is flared and the bottom is narrowed, and the overall shape is like a trumpet.
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Advantages: fast heat dissipation, quick tea brewing, clear tea soup without astringency.
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Suitable for brewing: Oolong tea (such as Tieguanyin, Phoenix Dancong);
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Recommended reason: It can quickly make soup, avoid the stewing smell, and highlight the aroma and layers.
3) Round-bellied covered bowl (bulging-bellied bowl)
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Features: round bowl, large capacity, strong heat preservation;
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Advantages: Suitable for drinking with many people, with a concentrated aroma.
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Suitable for brewing: ripe Pu'er, black tea, dark tea;
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Recommended reason: Teas with warm properties can be more relaxing and release in it.
4) High-legged covered bowl
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Features: high base, deep bowl, easy to hold.
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Advantages: good heat insulation effect, suitable for long-term drinking.
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Suitable for brewing: scented tea, Baihao Yinzhen, lightly fermented oolong, etc.
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Recommended reason: Elegant and practical, especially popular among female tea drinkers.
5) Small-diameter covered bowl (for tea tasting)
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Features: small size, fast soup dispensing, precise temperature control;
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Advantages: concentrated aroma, suitable for multiple brewing.
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Suitable for brewing: high-fragrant Dancong, rock tea, and Souchong black tea;
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Recommended reason: Easy to control the concentration of tea soup, suitable for professional tasting.
3. The influence of different materials
In addition to the shape, the material of the gaiwan also affects the performance of tea brewing:
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Porcelain-covered bowl: does not absorb odors, conducts heat evenly, and is suitable for most types of tea.
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Glass-covered bowl: transparent for viewing tea, suitable for green tea and scented tea;
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Zisha covered bowl: strong heat preservation and good air permeability, suitable for Pu'er and Oolong;
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Kaolin-covered bowl (white porcelain) : has a pure aroma and is most commonly used for professional tasting.
IV. Conclusion
A gaiwan is not only a tea set, but also a life attitude.
With a bowl in hand, one can experience both the profound aroma of tea and the calmness of the ancients. Whether enjoying a cup of tea in the morning or a few cups of Pu'er tea at night, a gaiwan tea bowl allows tea and the heart to blend in the steamy heat, creating a unique sense of tranquility and beauty.
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