This is a post that will make Angela proud! ;-) Recently, the DH was browsing at a yard sale (while I was out of town). He stumbled upon these two gaiwan. The owner didn't seem to know anything about them, and they were 50-cents a piece. Home they came!
A gaiwan is a three-piece steeping vessel. It includes saucer, cup, lid. Some people both brew and drink from the gaiwan. I do this on occasion, but am more likely to use the gaiwan for steeping and then pour off the tea into a drinking vessel or serving pot. I use my gaiwan most often with green teas.
A few tips:
1 - Use the lid like a paddle to stir the tea.
2 - All three pieces live together. The bottom saucer shelters your hand from the heat (gaiwan can become very warm) and the lid acts like a filter.
3 - When drinking from a gaiwan, place the set in one hand (including the saucer). Raise to drinking level while using the other hand to tip the lid just enough to let the liquid through.
4 - When pouring off from a gaiwan, keep all three pieces together. Tip the lid just enough to allow the liquid to escape. (With practice, you will be able to pour with one hand.)
Original packaging. Wish I could read what it says!
The amazing part of this story is that I recently broke my only gaiwan. While saddened, I chose not to dwell on the loss (which I have a tendency to do). Perhaps this was my reward. ;-)
12 comments:
Wow!! I'm so happy your DH found such perfect treasures for you! Although unfortunate that you broke your other gaiwan, good fortune was returned to you two fold!
I am so excited for you and the bargain gaiwans. How special!
What a great find and at a super-good price! I know you and our DH will enjoy many happy hours sipping tea from your gaiwan pair! I have a set of four that we enjoy using when we have guests. They are unusual and most people have to be taught how to use them --- making the taking of tea all the more fun!
Awesome find for the DH - price wise as well as very pretty!
I have never seen/heard of them of gaiwens before but they look interesting. I probably wouldn't buy any as I am happy with my tea brewing as it is but always good to know about
Just beautiful. Simple yet elegant.
Doesn't a bargain price make it even better???!!!!
High five for the DH!
What an amazing find! These pieces are gorgeous, Steph. Enjoy!
禅鹤 meaning the zen crane and 茶备 are wares for preparing tea. I have a six piece set of the same which I also like very much :)
Miss Tea Delight -- You are so generous to translate this for you. THANK You!
Oh, these are so delicate, subtle and beautiful! and such a bargain- I'm jealous of such deals. A good lesson too for us not to dwell on the loss of a *thing*.
Your husband had a great find - those gaiwans are lovely.
Fabulous bargains! And thank you for the explanation of how to use them!
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