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Gaiwan

Gaiwans for Gongfu Tea

A gaiwan is the most flexible first brewer for many tea buyers. It works for oolong, white tea, green tea, Pu-erh tastings, and small solo sessions without requiring a full tea set.

Choose by size first: smaller gaiwans give more focused Gongfu infusions, while larger gaiwans are easier for relaxed daily brewing. Then compare material, lid fit, grip comfort, and whether the piece is meant for personal use or gifting.

Shop gaiwans below or use the gaiwan size guide if you are choosing a first vessel.

Buying guide

How to choose Gaiwans for Gongfu Tea

Choose teaware by function, material, size, and care. A good piece should fit your tea volume, feel comfortable in the hand, and make your main brewing method easier.

Best for

Gongfu brewing, mindful serving, gifts, and building a durable tea table over time.

What to check

Capacity, material, weight, cleaning needs, heat handling, and whether it matches your cups and teas.

Care

Rinse and dry after each session. Avoid strong detergents on clay or unglazed pieces.

Pair with

Loose leaf tea, small cups, a fairness pitcher, and a tea tray for clean short infusions.

Choose the gaiwan first

Start with the vessel below, then pair it with oolong or check size only if you are unsure.

Shop gaiwans below Pair with oolong Use the size guide
Qingbai Painted Gaiwan – Flower Balls

Gaiwan

Qingbai Painted Gaiwan – 145 ml, 12 Designs

$36.00
$36.00
Sweet-White or Plum-Green Gaiwan – Sweet White

Gaiwan

Sweet-White or Plum-Green Gaiwan – 160 ml, Plain or Gilded Rim

From $36.00
From $36.00
Thin-Walled Sweet-White Gaiwan – Sweet White

Gaiwan

Thin-Walled Sweet-White Gaiwan – Sweet White or Qingbai

$89.00
$89.00
Jade-White Dehua Gaiwan – Zhiyin / Plain White

Gaiwan

Jade-White Dehua Gaiwan – Zhiyin or Guyue Shape, Six Finishes

From $42.00
From $42.00
Seven Bowls of Tea Poem Gaiwan – Sanqing / Bowl & Lid

Gaiwan

Seven Bowls of Tea Poem Gaiwan – Dehua Porcelain, 170 ml

$49.00
$49.00
Jade-white gaiwan with pink and teal famille rose mountain landscape – photo 1

Gaiwan

Guanshan Famille Rose Mountain Gaiwan – Two- or Three-Piece

From $56.00
From $56.00
Qingbai Dehua Gaiwan – Plain Qingbai

Gaiwan

Qingbai Dehua Gaiwan – 150 ml, Plain, Gilded or Painted

From $42.00
From $42.00
Qingbai Swirl Gaiwan – Plain

Gaiwan

Qingbai Swirl Gaiwan – 160 ml, Plain or Gilded

From $42.00
From $42.00
Jade-White Hovering-Lid Gaiwan – Fugui 145 ml / Bowl & Lid

Gaiwan

Jade-White Hovering-Lid Gaiwan – Fugui or Fangyuan, 145–180 ml

From $32.00
From $32.00
Falangcai-Style Floral Gaiwan – Brocade Flowers

Gaiwan

Falangcai-Style Floral Gaiwan – 150 ml, Hovering Lid, Gift Box

$56.00
$56.00
Millefiori Gaiwan – Horseshoe Bowl

Gaiwan

Millefiori Gaiwan – Horseshoe or Fugui Bowl, Optional Gift Box

From $42.00
From $42.00
Dragon or Phoenix Falangcai-Style Gaiwan – Golden Yellow / Dragon

Gaiwan

Dragon or Phoenix Falangcai-Style Gaiwan – 160 ml

$49.00
$49.00
Peony Falangcai-Style Gaiwan – Gold

Gaiwan

Peony Falangcai-Style Gaiwan – 160 ml, Six Colors

$49.00
$49.00
Famille Rose Gaiwan – Peach Blossom

Gaiwan

Famille Rose Gaiwan – 160 ml, Peach Blossom or Embossed Mountains

$42.00
$42.00
Qingbai Jade Porcelain Gaiwan – Rounded

Gaiwan

Qingbai Jade Porcelain Gaiwan – Rounded or Square, Plain or Gilded

$42.00
$42.00
Sgraffito Famille Rose Gaiwan – Lotus Steps

Gaiwan

Sgraffito Famille Rose Gaiwan – 145 ml, Ten Designs

$49.00
$49.00

Gaiwan & Brewing Guides

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

What is a gaiwan?
A gaiwan (盖碗) is a traditional Chinese lidded bowl used for brewing and drinking tea in the Gongfu ceremony. It consists of three parts: a bowl, a lid, and a saucer. It allows you to precisely control brewing time and appreciate the tea's aroma.
How do I use a gaiwan without burning my fingers?
Hold the saucer with your non-dominant hand. Place your thumb and middle finger on opposite sides of the rim (which stays cool). Use your index finger to tilt the lid slightly to create a gap for pouring. Practice with cool water first.
Gaiwan vs teapot — which is better?
Gaiwans are more versatile — ideal for lighter teas (green, white, oolong) where you want a clean taste each infusion. Teapots (especially Yixing) are better for darker teas that benefit from clay seasoning. Many tea lovers use both.