Modified Gaiwans

[OolongWang]

On a recent trip to China I came across for the first time a modified version of the standard gaiwan. I bought 5 of these, 3 from Wuyi mountain and 2 from Xiamen.

The modifications are in the spout, the gauzed sieve inside and the protrusions at each side of the bowl.

Whether these gaiwans will replace the traditional uniform gaiwans over time or even the yixing pots remains to be seen but they are certainly convenient to use. The spout enables the tea to be poured without having to slide open the lid and the gauze sieve ensures the tea leaves do not leave the bowl when the tea is poured.
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All 5 together

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The inside with the gauze sieve

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Holding the gaiwan

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[nonc_ron]

Whether these gaiwans will replace the traditional uniform gaiwans over time or even the yixing pots remains to be seen but they are certainly convenient to use.

I like them. I don't care if they catch on or not, I want one.

[odarwin]

this for a travel set is really nice!

http://www.houdeasianart.com/index.php? ... 23fb7cc827

[gingkoseto]

These (especially the one on the very right) are closer to the oldest version of gaiwan than modern gaiwan. Gaiwan was actually modified from them Gaiwan out competed the older style in history and I think gaiwan is easier to use. But the older style, and Taiwanese modified style from it are very cute! I have a same one as in the 2nd picture. My only complaint is it's too big (200ml). But the strainer is very good for draining out water between infusions. Besides, the tea stain will get into the crackling pattern and cause the pot to change shade with time being

[odarwin]

just wanted to ask you guys who have this kind of set...

http://artisticnippon.com/product/kyoto ... okuro.html

... if its ok to use for oolongs and pu erh which use high temp of water when brewing... and if in practice, does the "gaiwan" burn your fingers while use or not...

thanks!
-darwin

[olivierco]

just wanted to ask you guys who have this kind of set...

http://artisticnippon.com/product/kyoto ... okuro.html

... if its ok to use for oolongs and pu erh which use high temp of water when brewing... and if in practice, does the "gaiwan" burn your fingers while use or not...

thanks!
-darwin

I wouldn't use houhins for tea brewed with boiling water. It is OK for me with water up to 70-75°C.

[coconut]

Here is mine. I like it and use it for sencha for now, but plan to get a small tokoname instead and use it for chinese greens, perhaps oolongs. It's not too expensive, here's the link:

http://www.rishi-tea.com/store/Ho-hin-teapots.html

[gingkoseto]

I have a hohin, have never used it, but even without using it, I guess boiling water in it will burn fingers.
But I also wonder if those with "ears" can avoid burning finger


I also thought of buying this one. But I will only buy it if I can use it for oolong (and if I can afford it ) Since it's upper rim flare out a bit, I have been wondering if it can avoid burning fingers.

[OolongWang]

I have a hohin, have never used it, but even without using it, I guess boiling water in it will burn fingers.
But I also wonder if those with "ears" can avoid burning finger

Of the 5 displayed, only the brown glazed one can avoid burning fingers.
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[Chip]

As Gingko mentioned, they have been around for 100's of years and have not caught on and likely never will in the mainstream West anyway.

I like 'em quite a bit and have several including 2 replica "emperor sets" that are incredibly beautiful.

[Intuit]

I like the brown-glazed version and would be interested in buying one.

Per the red-pottery pieces that purportedly burn fingers:

I did a quick search and found heat resistant finger cots. Attaching them with a band would be a snap (pardon the pun) and make them easy to keep in a set.

Bingo - end of burnt fingers, improved grip to prevent slippage.

[subdude1]

[quote="OolongWang

Of the 5 displayed, only the brown glazed one can avoid burning fingers.
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I really like that one. If under 120ml, I'd buy one for traveling. In the past I have owned one similar to the one odarwin posted. Bought it with intentions of using it for oolongs. When it broke, I didn't shed a tear because I rarely used it. Replaced it with a "modern" style gaiwan and learned to hold it by the saucer and lid. My fingers thanked me

[Oolonga]

I've had this gaiwan for almost a year now and can't be happier with it. It brews everything perfectly and is a breeze to use. I steep all kinds of tea in it including blacks and the rim stays relatively cool to the touch so I've never had any burn issues

[OolongWang]

I've had this gaiwan for almost a year now and can't be happier with it. It brews everything perfectly and is a breeze to use. I steep all kinds of tea in it including blacks and the rim stays relatively cool to the touch so I've never had any burn issues

Wow, your gaiwan looks very very nice, I wonder how much it cost?

The 5 gaiwans I bought in China all cost between Y20-25, about US$3-$4 each. They are purely functional with no aesthetics in them at all.

[OolongWang]

As Gingko mentioned, they have been around for 100's of years and have not caught on and likely never will in the mainstream West anyway.

I like 'em quite a bit and have several including 2 replica "emperor sets" that are incredibly beautiful.

Thanks to Gingko and yourself for educating me. I should have done some research before posting.
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