Red Blossom Tea's "Summer" Gaiwan: Experiences? Opinions?

[limbo]

The size is throwing me off a bit, too.

It's between the Red Blossom, the Tea Master mini, and the cheapie from eBay that looks pretty good.

[twinofmunin]

This thread has just reminded me how sad I am about my (broken) tiny TTG gaiwan. What is the status? They were going to come back online, but didn't... have we as a group heard anything about that?

[Poohblah]

You can e-mail them if you like. I believe that they are currently operating only as a brick and mortar store.

[fire_snake]

Well if you're in New York you can always visit The Tea Gallery in person, which *might* increase your chances of getting a gaiwan. From what I'm reading it's a pleasant experience in person. Their address is on the site.

[brandon]

That is not correct. You can visit the mandarins tea room by appointment only for their tea menu. There are no gaiwans for sale. The man who made them is retired and as of yet no one has been willing to make a gaiwan to the correct specifications and price.

[fire_snake]

That is not correct. You can visit the mandarins tea room by appointment only for their tea menu. There are no gaiwans for sale. The man who made them is retired and as of yet no one has been willing to make a gaiwan to the correct specifications and price.

Then I stand corrected.

Also, it would seem that even when (if?) their online store opens, gaiwan availability will be uncertain.

[fire_snake]

Has anyone tried this one?

http://www.chinese-tea-culture.com/gaiwan-a002.html

[deftea]

I have Red Blossom's "spring" gaiwan. It is very pure white and very thin. I is the same thinness as Norbu's "simple white" but much more bright white. I can't imagine a thinner gaiwan this size. It is very high quality, feels good, pours well.

[Poohblah]

Has anyone tried this one?

http://www.chinese-tea-culture.com/gaiwan-a002.html

That gaiwan - or a near-identical one - is on sale at other places as well. For instance, here. I don't know if they are exactly the same model, but they are identical in style. I have also seen that same style available with "handmade" prints on them. I have one of this style, and I will say that I don't particularly like it. I find that the topknot gets too hot. I am of the opinion that the more common "ring" style topknot is more comfortable than this "flared knob" style. That's my input on this gaiwan.

[tst]

Has anyone tried this one?

http://www.chinese-tea-culture.com/gaiwan-a002.html

That gaiwan - or a near-identical one - is on sale at other places as well. For instance, here. I don't know if they are exactly the same model, but they are identical in style. I have also seen that same style available with "handmade" prints on them. I have one of this style, and I will say that I don't particularly like it. I find that the topknot gets too hot. I am of the opinion that the more common "ring" style topknot is more comfortable than this "flared knob" style. That's my input on this gaiwan.

Possibly same style, but very different sizes

Thanks for your feedback, as I have been debating on the 50ml sized one. Good to hear input on the knob and heat.

[fire_snake]

That settles it, then.

Unless a miracle happens over at TTG, Red Blossom's Summer gaiwan is my next teaware purchase.

I'd like to thank everyone for their kind input.

[fire_snake]

So I ordered it (the Summer Gaiwan.) Finally.

It's in transit. Once it arrives and I've used it with some light greens I'll post about it.

[blairswhitaker]

I have had that gaiwan for a little over a year and I find it works especially great for greens and whites. I think it's a great size for greens, wether you'r doing the modern "gaiwan gongfu" or drinking straight from it traditional style.

[fire_snake]

It arrived. Packed very well and with some tea samples.

I'm testing it with a Lishan Spring 2014 Formosa Oolong (because it came with the gaiwan and I can't resist new samples.)

I'll post more a little later, but in brief, if I were looking for a worthy replacement for the large TTG gawain, this would be it. Without a doubt.

[Poseidon]

It arrived. Packed very well and with some tea samples.

I'm testing it with a Lishan Spring 2014 Formosa Oolong (because it came with the gaiwan and I can't resist new samples.)

I'll post more a little later, but in brief, if I were looking for a worthy replacement for the large TTG gawain, this would be it. Without a doubt.

I LOVE new teaware days.... Speaking of which, I should be getting my "yixing" tea boat today!