Gaiwan: What It Is And How To Use It
Dear ‘theophiles,’ as we like to call everyone who loves tea, in this article we want to talk about the Gaiwan (or Guywan) a covered tea cup, considered as a perfect method for infusing delicate teas, such as green and white teas, but, however, suitable for any type of tea.
History of the Gaiwan
The birth of the Gaiwan cup dates back to the Ming dynasty, which, as early as 1350, made use of this particular method. As described by tea master Lu Yu, this special bowl, was meant to be large enough to allow infusion but at the same time small enough to be held comfortably in the hands. Always used as a teapot or simply as a tea bowl, it can be made of various materials, including porcelain (as in the case of our porcelain Gaiwan cup), glass or, for the more precious ones, made of Yixing clay (such as the Gaiwan Yixing cup featured in our shop) or jade. It comes without handles, and consists of a saucer, a bowl and a lid. Let’s now see how to use it in the best way while avoiding, among other things, getting burned, which, especially during the first uses, can happen!
How to use the Gaiwan
How to use the lid
To lift the lid of the gaiwan, grip the sides of the knob with your thumb and middle finger, while your index finger rests on the top. Once lifted, it is ideal to store it on the side of the saucer to prevent it from getting in contact with other items or smells on the table.
Time to pour in the hot water
Place the right amount of your chosen tea leaves inside the Gaiwan and pour the hot water inside the cup. The best way to place the water is to try to slide it over the walls through a circular motion; so that the heat is spread more evenly. You can now close your Gaiwan. Tip: The amount of water you pour must be well dosed so that it does not overflow and most importantly, if you do not fill the Gaiwan to the brim, you will prevent the edges from getting too hot to handle! If, however, the amount of water you pour in is too much, you can easily solve the problem by pressing down on the lid and curving the Gaiwan to one side to remove some of the tea.
The Gaiwan as a cup
When the tea is ready, drink it directly from the pot or pour it into a cup. If you decide to drink from the Gaiwan, leave a small opening between the lid and the vessel so that the tea and the Gaiwan itself can cool. You will then be able to drink by simply holding the lid knob.
How to pour tea from the Gaiwan
Pouring your tea from the Gaiwan into another cup is certainly the most difficult part. However, with a little practice, you will become a true tea lover! Push the lid to the side to create an opening between the lid and the vessel. The gap you are going to create should allow the water to drain out while keeping, however, the tea leaves inside the container. To get a better grip, hold the cup’s edges with your middle and index fingers while simultaneously locking the lid knob with your index finger. You will now be able to lift your Gaiwan and pour the tea. Tip: When tilting the Gaiwan to pour the tea, try not to exceed a 90-degree angle so that the water can flow out more slowly and avoid scalding. Double tip: If you want to serve several cups of tea, then it is preferable to pour the entire contents into a pitcher. This way each cup of tea will have the same pleasant taste (because the infusion times will be the same!!).