gaiwan questions

[jaderabbit]

1) What is a good capacity range for a gaiwan? I'm clutzy with small girly hands so I'm thinking no more than 100ml. But I was leaning to this 50ml gaiwan because I like the bamboo motif http://cgi.ebay.com/Bamboo-Pattern-Porc ... 3354be4148
2) Is it ok to brew Japanese greens in a gaiwan? Trying to find a cheap solution for all-purpose tea brewing.

Please share your gaiwan selection pointers.

[wyardley]

If only there were some threads on the forum about gaiwan selection.....

http://www.teachat.com/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=12670
http://www.teachat.com/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=14004
http://www.teachat.com/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=13141
http://www.teachat.com/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=11822

I am partial to the Tea Gallery ones. Even with small hands, you should be able to handle bigger gaiwans (100-150 ml) with no problem, but small ones have their own sets of advantages... really depends what type of brewing you're doing and how many people you're making tea for. As those other threads suggest, consider one with a fairly wide flare on the lid.

I think it's fine to brew most Japanese greens in a gaiwan, however, the really chopped up leaf types might be difficult to brew.

[entropyembrace]

I dont think that 50ml is too small but the one you linked to doesn´t look good becausue it has a very small rim around the lid which will heat up quickly and make it hard to pour without being uncomfortably hot.

Try to find one with a nice wide flared rim.

[jaderabbit]

Thanks for the advice wyardley and entropy! I'll probably wait for the Tea Gallery to restock their medium gaiwan and get that one.

[Chip]

While you can brew some Japanese greens in a gaiwan, you will likely enjoy the experience much more with a kyusu. Den's has a bunch under 20 bucks for a low cost solution.

[jaderabbit]

While you can brew some Japanese greens in a gaiwan, you will likely enjoy the experience much more with a kyusu. Den's has a bunch under 20 bucks for a low cost solution.

Very true but I find with tea ware I get really picky and would rather save up to get a really high quality one later than by an OK functional one today. I don't want to have more teapots than I need. Gotta keep that compulsive tea ware shopping in check so I can actually buy tea

[Chip]

While you can brew some Japanese greens in a gaiwan, you will likely enjoy the experience much more with a kyusu. Den's has a bunch under 20 bucks for a low cost solution.

Very true but I find with tea ware I get really picky and would rather save up to get a really high quality one later than by an OK functional one today. I don't want to have more teapots than I need. Gotta keep that compulsive tea ware shopping in check so I can actually buy tea

Ohhh, I saw this ... and your mention of Japanese greens.

2) Is it ok to brew Japanese greens in a gaiwan? Trying to find a cheap solution for all-purpose tea brewing.

The kyusu could be passed on or then used at work. Plus they are "bomb proof." You can always use a second kyusu, one for good teas and one for OK teas ... or scented or flavored teas ... the Den's are glazed, so you can use them for anything. Or if you are feeling particularly clumsy.