Please show me your gaiwan

[chef07172]

I am trying to find a gaiwan that really catches my eye. I am a pretty picky guy being a chef and really cant find a perfect match. I have found 2 that I kinda like but shipping would be outrageous to the states or i dont use paypal so ebay is not an option. One is here
http://www.yunnansourcing.com/store/img ... ickbox.jpg
and the other is here
http://i849.photobucket.com/albums/ab60 ... 1274708928
I really like the green one but can not find a purchasing option that is feasible.

[tingjunkie]

As a chef, I'm guessing you would prefer a knife which has a high quality blade that holds its sharpness through lots of use, rather than a knife with a fancy decorative handle and a mediocre blade?

The gaiwans you linked to are more like knives with decorative handles. In a good gaiwan, you should look for nice thin porcelain, a good fitting lid which swivels easily as you attempt to pour, and a nice flared rim so you can hold it without burning your fingers. I highly recommend either of these...

http://www.theteagallery.com/Medium_Gai ... a-gwnm.htm

http://www.themandarinstearoom.com/Fine ... _p_17.html

[kymidwife]

I own the little aqua gaiwan from Yunnan Sourcing you linked above. I picked it up when making a pretty big order of both teas and clay pots. At the price of 8.91 USD, I'm not sure where you'll get anything of similar quality much cheaper, even considering the shipping cost is 10.11, bringing the total price to 19.02. Some people are lucky enough to live close to a "Chinatown" or ethnic grocery stores which might carry the really inexpensive mass-produced style of gaiwan... but not me, so I have to order and deal with shipping costs. I couldn't find many gaiwans from U.S. vendors that I really liked, and certainly not for a total end price of under 20 bucks. My two previous gaiwans both got broken, so I am not particularly eager to spend much, knowing that I am a klutz.

As for the "you get what you pay for"... I generally totally agree. And while I am no expert on gaiwans, nor do I have many others to compare this one to, I think it does the job just fine. The walls seem thin, not eggshell but thin enough... the top and edges don't get too hot to handle.... and well, its very pretty. I'm a girl... these things matter.

Sarah

[debunix]

My two previous gaiwans both got broken, so I am not particularly eager to spend much, knowing that I am a klutz.

+1

I am one of those lucky enough to live near a chinatown with inexpensive gaiwans, and I have given up buying them one by one. I buy 2 or 3 at a time, when I start to run low! I have broken a pot here and there, but the shape of the gaiwan with narrow bases means they're easily destablilized by an offhand bump.

[nonc_ron]

I am trying to find a gaiwan that really catches my eye.
I am a pretty picky guy being a chef.I have found 2 that I kinda like but shipping would be outrageous to the states I really like the green one but can not find a purchasing option that is feasible.

Hi, I've just ordered the YS one after seeing
the pic. you posted. http://www.yunnansourcing.com/store/pro ... oduct=1001 I already had two cups that match perfectly,
also from Yunnan Sourcing. Now I will have a set.

My advice is, sign up for PayPal, It's a necessity for the Internet.

[chef07172]

You are correct. With knives I need top quality that holds an edge well. That's why I only use japanese knives anymore. I am currently using Hiromoto AS knives. Agomi supersteel core with ss clading to help prevent rusting. But the thing is it is very good knife but formes a beautiful patina and lppks verry nice. So in the knife world I have both function and beauty. I am hoping to achieve the same with gaiwans. The price of the gaiwan does not mater as the shipping. I don't mind paying say 100.00 for the gaiwan but don't want to pay the same on shipping.