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Introducing
the Gaiwan
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 Prior
to the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) tea was usually prepared in and drunk
from the same vessel, as described by ninth century tea master Lu Yu in
the Cha Ching (Tea Scripture). This special bowl had to be large
enough to accommodate the implements and actions of tea brewing, yet small
enough to be held comfortably in the hands for drinking. The term
for this versatile piece of equipment was simply chawan tea bowl.
It was during the Ming dynasty that changes both in tea ritual and in
tea itself gave rise to a smaller, yet equally functional vessel called
a gaiwan (covered bowl). Technically, because of its small size –usually
no more than 4 inches across– the term should be gaibei (covered
cup) but since he traditional vessel for tea drinking had always been
some form of bowl, “gaiwan” was adopted. |
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 As
its name suggests, the significant feature of a gaiwan is its lid –
which is not merely a cover, but is designed to fit snuggly inside the
lip of the cup. When the form of tea changed from whisked (in a
bowl, as above) to infused (as tea is prepared today), a way was sought
to simplify the tea making process, which could require many implements.
The small porcelain cup used for drinking this type of tea was modified
and fitted with a special cover which allowed the leaves to be infused
right in the cup and the tea either drunk directly therefrom or decanted
into smaller tasting cups and served to guests. (The addition of
a third element –the accompanying plate or saucer– completes
the set, ingeniously insulating the bottom of the cup so that it may be
handled when hot.) |
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Because of its elegance, functionality and ease of use (after a little practice, of course), the gaiwan has long been recognized in China as the universal tool of tea preparation… in the teahouse, at home or in the field. The gaiwan’s universal practicality, superior control and versatility through all families and styles of tea make it the perfect vessel in which to explore the widest range of the world’s teas. Next- Gaiwan Tea Preparation |
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