Gaiwan Search: A New Hope

[nimpercent]

Hey guys, I have recently been advised on this forum to buy a Gaiwan to practice gong-fu methodology before getting a full fledged Yixing. Well, after reading about them and viewing some images, I have definitely decided I NEED one. What is a site that I can purchase a Gaiwan from that has both 1) Diversity, 2) Authenticity, and 3) Abundance? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[bi lew chun]

Welcome to the gaiwan fan club. Here are some links to get you started.

Jing Tea Shop has a good selection of gaiwans you don't usually see elsewhere online, and it changes pretty often:

http://www.jingteashop.com/cat_gaiwans.cfm

Hou De has some nice ones, too:

http://www.houdeasianart.com/index.php? ... 27a7581a57

There are a few shops on eBay with a wide selection and bargain prices:

http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Yunnan-Sour ... ec0Q2em322

http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Dragon-Tea- ... ec0Q2em322

I also recently came across a site through Wrong Fu Cha offering to hunt down teaware according to your specifications and price range. I haven't used them, but I'm intrigued:

http://lifeoftea.com/

Many other sites sell mass-produced gaiwans, so if you see one you like, shop around for a good price.

[Oni]

don`t forget www.funalliance.com , for it has a great selection of gaiwans, and other chinese teaware.

[Chip]

Also if Tampa has a Chinatown, one can be had for a fraction of the online price. A cheap one is a good starter, if it gets broken due to early clumsiness, you are out a few bucks. I highly recommend a cheaper one for everyday use anyway.

Also consider size when buying. Bigger is not generally better when it comes to gaiwan.

[Salsero]

Enjoyingtea.com also has a good selection at reasonable prices.

[chamekke]

don`t forget www.funalliance.com , for it has a great selection of gaiwans, and other chinese teaware.

Thanks for this link! Some time ago I bought a set of four gaiwan-s on eBay (after breaking my first, I felt like hedging my bets by getting spares!). The set was used and therefore inexpensive, but I always wondered about the pattern. This is it

[Victoria]

Nice Chamekke!

I had forgotten about Fun Alliance, but was there a couple of days ago and surprised to see 3 pages of gaiwans. I am really drawn to this goldfish one:
http://funalliance.com/tea/htm/gaiwan/870100225.htm
Sweet!

[wyardley]

http://www.theteagallery.com/category_s/12.htm

Plain white, good range of sizes, good shape, nice thin porcelain and enough flare that it's not uncomfortable to hold. One of the most important things is how it feels in your hands and how it pours.

Jing has some nice ones as well.

[Cinnamon Kitty]

When do we get "Gaiwan Search: The Empire Strikes Back?"

[Salsero]

When do we get "Gaiwan Search: The Empire Strikes Back?"

There's a comedian in every crowd!

The jokes just keep on rolling out at TeaChat.

[bi lew chun]

When do we get "Gaiwan Search: The Empire Strikes Back?"

Perhaps Obi Gaiwan Kanobi could tell us.

[nimpercent]

Perhaps he could....

In other news, I have been looking at some cool gaiwans from the sites linked and have noticed they come in many different sizes / volumes. Which size / volume would be ideal for the gong-fu method? OR is it personal preference?

[Victoria]

Well here is the lesson I learned - I bought big - and now I never use my big ones.
4-5oz usually - never over 6. At least not for me.

[JustinW]

When do we get "Gaiwan Search: The Empire Strikes Back?"

Perhaps Obi Gaiwan Kanobi could tell us.

Or his master Tie Guan Yin. Wait, he was in that crappy Episode One movie, not A New Hope.