What Is a Gaiwan? It's Not That Simple...

A gaiwan is a Chinese teaware, which might seem simple at first glance, but its significance runs much deeper. Below we define what a gaiwan truly is, exploring its form, function, philosophy and the unique experience it brings to tea lovers.

The Gaiwan as a Lidded Bowl

Gaiwan in Chinese means "lidded bowl" and, as the name suggests, it is a bowl with a lid and a saucer (not always present). Modern gaiwans are typically small, often ranging from 60 to 150 ml, though historically they were often larger. The classic shape is simple and smart.

The bowl is the main body, featuring a flared rim and often a rounded or conical shape. Its mouth is wider than its base, and its flared rim can be broad and flat or thinner and slightly vertical. The bowl's body can be more curved or straighter, and its diameter and height vary according to its capacity.

The gaiwan lid usually comes with a typically round-shaped knob, but it can also be found in flower and square shapes. The knob top is almost always flat or curved inward. The lid rim fits perfectly with the bowl's shoulder, specifically the point where the walls start to flare outward, on the inside of the bowl's mouth.

Finally, the saucer typically has a round shape and fits perfectly with the bowl's feet. As for the bowl and the lid, the saucer can be curved or flatter with a more or less upward rim. Its main purpose is to be a stable stand and a burn-safe holding point for the gaiwan. 

The Gaiwan as a Tool for Drinking Tea 

The history of the gaiwan reflects the evolution of tea consumption in Imperial China over the centuries. During the Song dynasty (960-1279 CE), tea was served in bowls placed on plate with stands. People used these plates to hold the hot bowls while drinking, thereby avoiding burns to their hands. These plates are functionally similar to the modern gaiwan saucer.

The gaiwan, as a three-piece set (bowl, saucer, and lid), was introduced during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644 CE). In 1391, an imperial decree abolished the production of compressed tea, promoting instead the production and consumption of loose-leaf tea. As whipped tea (made from tea powder) fell out of fashion and steeping loose-leaf tea became the standard, the gaiwan grew popular as an elegant way to drink tea. The leaves remained in the gaiwan, with the lid serving to keep them out of the way while sipping and to retain the tea's heat.

Gaiwans became truly common and fully standardized with the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912). Indeed, in these centuries, the 3-piece bowl reached its golden age, and it was produced in various materials and adorned with stunning designs. It was associated with the upper class and wealth.

The Gaiwan as a Tool to Steep Tea

While during the Ming and Qing dynasties people used gaiwan to brew and drink tea, it’s from the late 20th century that gaiwans have mainly been seen as a steeping tool.

The fascination and perplexity with gaiwans come from the question of how to hold them and pour with them. Indeed, they are not as straightforward as teapots with handles. Learning to pour tea with a gaiwan can be both fun and challenging. If you're curious about how to use a gaiwan, we break it down in a separate guide.

The Gaiwan as a Way to Appreciate Tea

You may wonder why the gaiwan has become so appreciated among gongfu tea enthusiasts. Indeed, it's overall recognized as an excellent tool for enjoying tea, both aesthetically and aroma-wise. Several aspects advocate for this lidded bowl.

• Versatility: The absence of filters and its bell shape make it suitable for any loose-leaf tea with whole leaves. Both small and big tea leaves have plenty of space to open up and release the flavour in the water.
• Tea Display: thanks to its wide opening and mouth, you can observe the tea colour and wet leaves directly from the gaiwan. On the contrary, with teapots and their small openings, it isn't easy to see the details of the leaves without taking them out.
• Aroma Analysis: As most gaiwans are made of porcelain or glazed ceramic, they won't affect the taste of the tea, allowing you to appreciate the aromas at their purest. Moreover, it's common practice to shake the dried leaves in the preheated gaiwan to awaken them, releasing the finest aroma.
• Gongfu Tea Essentials: Gaiwans have become an essential tool during the gongfu tea ceremony. In these setups, gaiwans serve the same primary role as teapots, and several gongfu tea sets feature a gaiwan as the main brewing vessel.
• Multipurpose: Gaiwans are now primarily used for brewing tea, but they can also serve as cups. It could be your only piece of teaware, and you wouldn't need anything else.
• Low Maintenance: Most gaiwans (especially those made with glazed ceramic, porcelain, and glass) are very easy to clean, as they have no filter where broken tea leaves could get stuck. They are also less bulky than teapots and can be stored by stacking the bowls, saving space.

The Gaiwan as a Philosophy

The gaiwan, a traditional Chinese tea-brewing vessel, is more than just a tool. It embodies a way of life rooted in simplicity and mindfulness. Its minimalist design reflects the balance and focus that can be brought into day-to-day living. Using a gaiwan encourages slowing down, taking deliberate actions, and appreciating the beauty in small, everyday rituals. By embracing simplicity in the act of brewing tea, we are reminded to find balance and clarity in even the most hectic moments.

Brewing tea with a gaiwan is also a practice in patience and presence. The process requires attention to detail: the careful handling of leaves, the precise pouring of water, the timing of each steep. These small, deliberate actions pull us into the present, fostering an appreciation for the moment. Through the aroma, taste, and visual beauty of the tea, the gaiwan teaches us to savor life’s fleeting but meaningful experiences.

The adaptability of the gaiwan mirrors our ability to navigate life’s transitions and challenges. Its versatility allows the user to adjust steeping techniques, water temperature, and timing, offering lessons in flexibility and resilience. Just as a gaiwan adapts to different teas and brewing styles, we too can learn to adjust our approach to life’s ups and downs, finding harmony in change.

Ultimately, the gaiwan becomes a tool for reflection and self-awareness. It transforms a simple act of tea-making into a moment of meditation, helping us connect with ourselves and the present. Its open design symbolizes openness to experiences and acceptance of life as it unfolds. By incorporating the ritual of the gaiwan into daily life, we create space for introspection and mindfulness, reminding ourselves of the importance of balance, patience, and presence in all that we do.