Gaiwan

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Not to be confused with Gawain.
Gaiwan

Three gaiwan in front of a tea tray
Simplified Chinese 盖碗
Traditional Chinese 蓋碗
Literal meaning lidded bowl[1]
Alternative Chinese name
Simplified Chinese 盖杯
Traditional Chinese 蓋杯
Literal meaning lidded cup
Second alternative Chinese name
Chinese 焗盅
Literal meaning hot-steeping vessel

A gaiwan is a Chinese lidded bowl used for the infusion of tea leaves and the consumption of tea.[2] It was invented during the Ming Dynasty.[2] It consists of a bowl, a lid, and a saucer.[1][2]

History

Prior to the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), 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 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 the gaiwan. The gaiwan of today are generally smaller and more leaves are used in brewing.[3]

Function

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, although without the lid in these cases. 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 allows the tea to be viewed while brewing, and the latter prevents altering of the flavour and aroma of the tea during brewing. 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 a variety of materials, including porcelain and glass. Gaiwans made from Yixing clay or jade are particularly prized by collectors of tea paraphernalia.

Gaiwan is the preferred method for brewing green and white teas as the gaiwan's porcelain absorbs the heat and does not damage the tea. Gaiwans are less suitable for black teas as the large lid allows heat to escape too quickly during the steeping process. They are especially common in the north of China for enjoying scented teas like jasmine tea.

  • A lidded porcelain gaiwan

  • An open porcelain gaiwan

Use

Usually all three parts are held at once with both hands. The saucer is held with the fingers of the right hand while the thumb rests on the edge of the bowl. The left hand then holds the lid, which is used to brush away the tea leaves before drinking. It can take some practice to do this, as the liquid tends to be hot.

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Gold, Cynthia; Stern, Lisë (2010). Culinary tea: More than 150 recipes steeped in tradition from around the world. Philadelphia: Running Press. p. 49. ISBN 978-0-7624-3773-3. 
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Rubin, Ron; Gold, Stuart Avery (2002). Tea chings: The tea and herb companion appreciating the varietals and virtues of fine tea and herbs (2nd ed.). New York: Newmarket Press. p. 70. ISBN 978-1-55704-491-4. 
  3. ↑ Chinese-Tea-Culture.com, "Brewing Green Tea". , www.chinese-tea-culture.com

External links

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