Yixing Gaiwan (ZiSha: ZiNi)

Gaiwan is a versatile brewing vessel that can play multiple roles in your tea experience. First and foremost, it allows you to brew tea. With ease. It is easy to load with tea, easy not to overflow with water, and easy to clean up. As you lift the lid, you are greeted with the rich scents wafting from the steeping leaves. And as you pour the water into the vessel, the gaiwan offers a view of the leaves swirling and gracefully unfurling, adding an element of visual delight to the brewing process. 

This gaiwan is made of ZiSha clay (紫砂), also known as Yixing clay, from Yixing (宜兴) in Jiangsu Province, in the Delta of the Yangtze River. Among the various clays, Yixing clay is the number one choice for Gong Fu Cha practitioners. Its porous structure and rich mineral content play a pivotal role in transforming and enhancing the taste of tea.

Qing Shui Ni (清水泥) ZiSha clay is a subdivision of ZiNi (紫泥). It features excellent "breathability" – softening tannins, rounding strong flavors, and steadily holding temperature without overheating.

The unique composition of Yixing clay, comprising a mixture of kaolin, quartz, mica, and boasting a high iron oxide content, lends it a sandy texture. ZiSha 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's mineral-rich nature subtly enriches the tea, making the flavor feel rounder and smoother.

A gaiwan made from ZiSha clay will become your trusted tea companion, unlocking a world of sensory exploration. With each steeping, the tea leaves and the clay engage in an exchange of flavors, enriching each other and revealing new dimensions with every infusion.

Size: 3.5 x 3.9inch / 9 x 10cm

Capacity: 120ml

Material: Yixing clay, ZiNi (Qing Shui Ni) – 紫砂清水泥

NOTE: Gaiwan and other teaware (especially those made of clay) easily absorb taste and aromas and should never be washed using detergents.