Antique Hand-painted Pastel Gaiwan

Purchased to replace a broken gaiwan and didn’t want to wait forever from a different platform. This one came intact in a cardboard box. It’s a heavier thickness porcelain, so it holds heat well. I like it for shou and white teas. Found it easy to handle and don’t burn my fingers with it.

Having to go non/low caffeine (histamine intolerant/MCAS issues) I've started learning about white teas and how to prepare them. Sun dried vs steam etc white tea leaves are much gentler on your belly and also need to be treated more gently when brewing. That's where the Gaiwan teacups come in.

Brewing at about 190° F vs boiling water, the tea leaves steep in this teacup then you tip the lid a bit to either drink directly from the teacup or as I do pour into a small drinking cup.

This particular Gaiwan teacup is my favorite of all I've tried!
The lovely hand painted design ("Bird" is so delicate and refined!) is simple and beautiful, adding to the serenity of your tea drinking experience. The porcelain itself is not so delicate as to break easily (lost a different one within a week!) but it's definitely fine enough not to be considered cheap junk. The lid fits well enough that I accidentally created a vacuum; fits snugly, yet tips easily for pouring or drinking. The cup itself has a nicely bowed rim that enables easy pouring and its bottom fits well in the raised lip of the bottom bowl. It also is gold free (brick red painted on edges, not gold) so if your water cools too much it's easily nuked in microwave. (I know it's not kosher but I'm lazy.)

Very pleased with this teacup ensemble! Shipping from China was actually surprisingly fast. In CA within 10 days! Carefully packed in bubble wrap and styrofoam so no chips or cracks whatsoever.

Of the 3 Gaiwan teacups I've bought this is my favorite! Highly recommend!!!

I didn't read the description well enough and missed the part where it said that this is a pack of two gaiwans - but it was a lovely surprise. Paired with some excellent, straight from a tea farm and ethically sourced tea from companies like MoriMa tea, this is a great gaiwan to have. I really enjoy my morning tea routine now!

Nice product and well packed! This is my first ceramic Gaiwan. It has a nice thickness to it and all the pieces fit nicely. The lid will stand upright when placed in the base.
This comfortably holds at least 100m.

Nicely balanced, easy to hold, excellent quality, and very enjoyable to use.