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Gaiwan facts for kids
| Gaiwan | |||||||||
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Three gaiwan in front of a tea tray
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| Traditional Chinese | 蓋碗 | ||||||||
| Simplified Chinese | 盖碗 | ||||||||
| Literal meaning | lidded bowl | ||||||||
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| Alternative Chinese name | |||||||||
| Traditional Chinese | 蓋杯 | ||||||||
| Simplified Chinese | 盖杯 | ||||||||
| Literal meaning | lidded cup | ||||||||
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| Second alternative Chinese name | |||||||||
| Chinese | 焗盅 | ||||||||
| Literal meaning | hot-steeping vessel | ||||||||
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A gaiwan (say "guy-wahn") is a special Chinese tea cup. It has a lid and a saucer, but no handle. People use it to brew and drink tea. It was first made during the Ming dynasty in China.
Contents
The History of Gaiwan Tea Cups
Before the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), people drank tea from the same cup they used to make it. A famous tea expert named Lu Yu said these cups needed to be big enough to brew tea. But they also had to be small enough to hold comfortably. These early tea bowls were called chawan.
During the Ming dynasty, new ways of making and drinking tea became popular. This led to the invention of the gaiwan. It offered a new, special way to enjoy tea.
What a Gaiwan Looks Like
A gaiwan is made of three main parts: a saucer, a bowl, and a lid. These parts can be made from different materials. Common materials include porcelain and glass.
Some gaiwans are made from special materials like Yixing clay or jade. These are highly valued by tea collectors. Most gaiwans are small, holding about 100 to 150 milliliters of tea.
An Ancient Gaiwan Discovery
Recently, archaeologists found an old gaiwan set from the Ming dynasty. It was in a prince's burial site. This set included a blue and white Jingdezhen porcelain cup. It had a silver stand and a gold lid. This special set was made in 1437.
Many such sets likely existed long ago. However, the valuable metal parts were often melted down and reused. This is why only the porcelain cups usually remain today.
How Gaiwans Are Used for Tea
Gaiwans are great for brewing teas with light tastes and smells. These include green tea and white tea. They are also good for oolong teas. Oolong tea leaves can be steeped many times.
The open, shiny surface of a gaiwan is helpful for tasting tea. You can see the tea as it brews. The smooth surface also keeps the tea's natural taste and smell pure. The lid helps keep the tea leaves in the bowl. You can drink directly from the bowl, using the lid to push the leaves away. Or, you can pour the tea into another cup.
Gaiwans are especially good for green and white teas. Their porcelain material absorbs heat well and does not harm the delicate tea leaves. They are less ideal for black teas because the large lid lets heat escape too quickly. In northern China, gaiwans are often used for scented teas like jasmine tea.
How to Hold and Use a Gaiwan
It takes a little practice to hold a gaiwan correctly. Usually, you hold all three parts at once with both hands.
- Use the fingers of your right hand to hold the saucer.
- Your right thumb should rest on the edge of the bowl.
- Your left hand holds the lid.
- Use the lid to gently push the tea leaves away before you take a sip.
- Be careful, as the liquid inside will be hot!
Images for kids
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A porcelain gaiwan
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A porcelain gaiwan, lid removed
See also
In Spanish: Gaiwan para niños