Beauty and function combine in this handmade gaiwan featuring an easy pour filter.
The character engraved all over this gaiwan is '福' which translates to 'good fortune' so that every session of tea can bring good intentions into your practice.
The gaiwan is made from Qinzhou Nixing clay (read more about the clay below) which is excellent for softening all tea types.
It features a clay filter built into the rim for pouring without tilting the lid so that you can sling brews easiily. This is perfect for all brewers including those new to gaiwan brewing.
The gaiwan is 130ml which is just about the perfect capacity for solo and small group sessions.
The clay is smooth and tactile with detailed engravings. Please note that as these are handmade, each will have their own variations.
ABOUT NIXING CLAY
Nixing clay is one of the most famous clays in China (the others are Zisha, Jian Shui, Chaozhou, and Rong Chang). It is made by blending clay from two sides of the Qinjiang river after storing each side differently for many months. After mixing the pure and neutral clay becomes super malleable and smooth making it ideal for carvings. The colour of the fired clay ranges from bronze brown to grey-blue and because the clay is porous it will absorb tea oils and change over the years.
Nixing is a great clay for all tea types but, in our experiments, is particularly suited to Black, Green oolong and (perhaps controversially) Chinese Green teas. It has slightly more softening and thickening characteristics than Chaozhou red clay but slightly less than Jianshui Zitao and Yixing Zisha. The clay adds minerality and retains the bright notes of a tea making it an excellent 'all-star' pot.
Watch the video below for a more in-depth assessment of Nixing (you can skip to 52:15 for the conclusions):
PLEASE NOTE: these pots are individually made and polished by hand and will have natural, small variations in the tone and capacity. This pot is approx 150ml.
