If you already know how to handle a Gaiwan, you can go straight to Gaiwan And Glass Brewing.

Take a Gaiwan apart: lid, bowl (cup) and saucer.

How to hold a Gaiwan

Gaiwan was developed in the Ching (Qing) Dynasty (1644-1912) as an improvement from previous drinking cups. I feel cool every time I drink with a Gaiwan. Sometimes I even imagine I am an emperor when I have a Gaiwan in my hands. It's more than just a porcelain cup, it's hundreds of years' of tea culture. Assume you are right handed. Put the Gaiwan in the center of your palm. Spread your fingers to support the bottom of the plate. Use your thumb to hold the rim of the cup. Have your right hand standing by for handling of the lid (see picture on the right).

How to drink from a Gaiwan

Two things you need to do constantly while drinking with a Gaiwan: To stir the tea and; To get into drinking position while keep the floating tea leaves out of the way.

For number 1, you don't use a spoon for the job, you use the lid to stir. Hold the knob of the lid with your thumb and index finger. Dip the near side of the lid into the tea and you can push the floating tea leaves outwards. With the skillful use of the wrist, you can play around with the floating tea leaves with style.

For number 2, move the lid slightly off center to create a gap small enough to stop tea leaves from coming out of the Gaiwan. Bring the Gaiwan to your mouth with your left hand while your right hand is keeping the lid in position. Finally, it's time to drink.If you are serving tea with a Gaiwan, remember to pass the Gaiwan with BOTH hands. Offering tea in a Gaiwan, or any other cups, with one hand is impolite.

We have done the hardware, now we can do the software - the brewing method - Gaiwan and glass brewing