When you hold a gaiwan in your hands, you'll find it a versatile companion, playing multiple roles in your tea experience. Not only does it allow you to brew your tea, but it also entices you with the tea's delightful aroma. As you gently lift the lid, the rich scents wafting from the steeping leaves embrace your senses, enticing you further into the world of tea. And as you pour the tea, the gaiwan provides a captivating view of the leaves unfurling gracefully, adding an element of visual delight to your brewing ritual. Gaiwan becomes a window into the captivating journey of tea exploration.
Let's turn our attention to the remarkable ZiSha clay, aka Yixing clay, from the delta of the Yangtze River. Among the various Yixing clays, Zi Ni clay shines as a beloved choice for tea enthusiasts worldwide. Its exceptional porosity and heat-retaining properties play a pivotal role in transforming and enhancing the taste of tea, surpassing other materials such as glass, porcelain, glazed teapots, or even other ZiSha clays.
The unique composition of Zi Ni clay, comprising a mixture of kaolin, quartz, mica and boasting a high iron oxide content, lends it a somewhat sandy texture. This clay has the remarkable ability to absorb and retain the flavors and aromas of tea due to its high porosity. As you brew tea in a ZiSha gaiwan, the clay imparts its mineral-rich essence, subtly infusing the tea with its unique character and depth.
The heat preservation qualities of Zi Ni clay further elevate the Gong Fu Cha experience. The gaiwan crafted from this clay excels at brewing teas that require higher water temperatures, such as robust black teas (hongcha), earthy pu-erh and heicha, and nuanced oolongs. The clay's heat retention allows for a more thorough extraction of flavors, resulting in a rich, complex, and truly satisfying tea.
As you embrace the art of Gong Fu Cha, the gaiwan made from ZiSha clay becomes your trusted companion, unlocking a world of sensory exploration. With each steeping, the tea leaves and the clay engage in a dance of flavors, revealing new dimensions with every infusion. The unique qualities of Zi Ni clay enhance the taste, aroma, and overall enjoyment of your tea, adding depth to your tea experience.
Size: 3.5 x 3.9inch / 9 x 10cm
Capacity: 120ml
Material: Yixing clay (ZiSha) – Zi Ni (Qing Shui Ni)
NOTE: Gaiwan and other teaware (especially those made of clay) easily absorb taste and aromas and should never be washed using detergents.