Hand-Painted Blue & White "Intertwining Lotus" Flint-Red Sancai Gaiwan
This Gaiwan is a masterpiece of traditional Chinese ceramic art. It combines the precision of hand-painted blue and white porcelain, the classic beauty of the Intertwining Lotus motif, and the rustic charm of "Flint-Red" firing, creating a high-end vessel for the serious Kung Fu tea practitioner.
Artisan Craftsmanship & Aesthetic Details
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Hand-Painted Blue & White: Each stroke is meticulously applied by a master artist. Unlike mass-produced decals, the hand-painted cobalt pigment creates natural variations in shade and depth, giving the pattern a sense of vitality and movement on the lustrous white porcelain.
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Intertwining Lotus Motif: A timeless pattern in Chinese history, the "intertwining branches" symbolize longevity and an endless cycle of life (Sheng Sheng Bu Xi). The lotus represents purity and nobility, resulting in a design that is ornate yet profoundly elegant.
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Flint-Red Effect: This refers to the natural reddish-brown oxidation that appears on the unglazed foot or edges of the porcelain during high-temperature firing. This "Flint-Red" is a hallmark of authentic vintage-style ceramics, adding a sense of historical weight and "antique soul" to the piece.
Vintage Design & Sancai Structure
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The Sancai Harmony: Features the traditional three-part structure—the lid (Heaven), the bowl (Man), and the saucer (Earth). The proportions are carefully balanced to ensure an ergonomic grip, allowing for a smooth and controlled pour without burning your fingers.
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Antique Ceramic Texture: The porcelain is dense and warm to the touch with a clear, bell-like ring when tapped. Its vintage silhouette instantly elevates the atmosphere of your tea table, evoking the scholarly tea culture of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Usage and Value
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Professional Kung Fu Tea: The wide mouth and high-quality porcelain make it perfect for brewing complex teas like Pu-erh, Oolong, or Rock Tea (Yancha), as it allows the leaves to unfurl fully while retaining heat.
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A Symbolic Gift: Because of the auspicious meaning of the lotus and the high level of hand-craftsmanship, this Gaiwan is a prestigious gift for collectors, mentors, or for use in traditional "respect tea" (Jing Cha) ceremonies.
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The Silent Alchemist of the Tea Ceremony
The Sovereign's Vessel: An Ode to the Gaiwan
The Gaiwan (盖碗) is not merely a piece of porcelain; it is the pinnacle of minimalist design and the architect of the Gongfu tea experience. Born from the imperial court and perfected over centuries, this tri-part ensemble—the lid (盖), the bowl (碗), and the saucer (托)—represents the harmonious trinity of Heaven, Man, and Earth, respectively. To hold a Gaiwan is to hold a microcosm of the universe in your hands.
Phase I
Shaping the "Three Treasures"
The potter throws three components—bowl, lid, and saucer—to precise measurements. The bowl is shaped with a wide, flared rim for heat dissipation. Once leather-hard, the pieces are trimmed, focusing critically on ensuring the lid fits loosely inside the bowl's rim to allow pouring while retaining the tea leaves.
Throwing the Form
Phase II
Glazing and Adornment
After an optional bisque firing, the gaiwan receives its aesthetic finish. Designs, such as cobalt for "Blue and White," are painted onto the clay. The pieces are then dipped in liquid glaze. Crucially, the potter must wipe the glaze clean from the bowl's foot and the lid's seating rim to prevent them from fusing together during the final firing.
Applying the Finish
Phase III
The High-Heat Transformation
The components are fired to high temperatures (e.g., around 1300℃ for porcelain). This intense heat causes vitrification, where the glaze melts into a glassy layer and the clay transforms into a dense, non-porous ceramic stone. The success of this step is measured by the final fit and function: the lid must sit balanced, the saucer must secure the bowl, and the flared rim must remain cool enough for the user's fingers.
The Kiln's Alchemy
Phase IV
Enjoyment and Practice
Once cooled, the gaiwan is ready for its purpose. The final step is the practice of the brewing ritual. Fill the bowl with hot water and leaves, secure the saucer, and place the lid. The wide rim allows the user to hold the bowl with two fingers while tilting the lid slightly to pour the finished tea liquor into a cup, leaving the spent leaves behind.
The Ritual Unveiled
Frequently Asked Questions
Enjoy free worldwide shipping on all orders. Please allow 2-7 business days for your order to be processed before it ships.
After your order has shipped, you can expect delivery within these estimated timeframes:
- United States (Mainland): 5-15 days
- Alaska, Hawaii, & other US regions: 10-20 days
- Canada: 5-20 days
- Europe: 5-15 days
- Australia/New Zealand: 6-15 days
- Hong Kong: 1-5 days
- Southeast Asia: 5-8 days
- Latin America & other countries: 10-20 days
Need more specific shipping details or have an urgent request? Please contact us via live chat.
For more details, please refer to our Shipping Policy.
You may cancel your order within 48 hours of placing it. Our return policy lasts for 30 days from the date of delivery.
For more details, please refer to our Refund Policy.
Our customer service team is available Monday through Sunday. Feel free to contact us via live chat, through our "Contact" form, or by emailing our client relations executive directly at castor@oriental-artisan.com. We guarantee a reply within 24 hours.
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