50-Cents a Piece

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!

 I love the cranes.

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.) 

 This one has an interestingly domed lid and scalloped saucer.

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.  ;-)