Purple Clay Gaiwan (90ml)

I got this years ago – it was my very first gaiwan, and my first encounter with any brewing style other than Western (except for matcha). It retains heat quite well for a gaiwan, presumably thanks to the zisha which makes up the bulk of its body. The white glaze inside prevents it from becoming seasoned and provides a nice background against which to view tea leaves.

It fits snugly into its base and is easy to use with one hand – even a friend of mine who has quite small hands was able to use it without a problem. However, the lid is actually a bit too symmetrical. It can create a tight seal which requires some force to dislodge, risking spillage and potentially getting hot tea all over one’s hand. So, it works well, but requires a tad of extra care to use.