Bring cheer to your tea table with this porcelain gaiwan in rich IPOT red. The solid matte glaze is complemented by blue line detailing—harkening to classic Chinese design—on the lid, body and saucer, and the large size enables an ample single serving or easy preparation for several guests in the traditional gongfu cha style. The gaiwan’s body, or wan, evolved from the simple bowl originally used to hold powdered tea. The wide shape allows the leaves to expand and release their full potential of fragrance and flavor while the fluted edge stays cool, enabling one to grasp and pour. The lid, or gai ("to cover"), is essential as a strainer; tilted open, it allows the infusion to be decanted while holding back the tea leaves. Gaiwans come in many sizes and materials; try incorporating one into your brewing practice to experiment with multiple infusions, and savor how the tea leaves’ appearance and taste evolves through each. Measures 4" H, 4" W
