Ru Ware "Auspicious Clouds & Dancing Butterflies" Floating Gaiwan
This exquisite Gaiwan is a masterpiece of functional art, drawing inspiration from the legendary Song Dynasty Ru Kilns. Combining the serene "sky-after-rain" glaze with the poetic "Xiangyun Diewu" (Auspicious Clouds & Dancing Butterflies) motif, it features an innovative "Floating" design for a high-end, anti-scald tea-drinking experience.
The Art of Song Dynasty Ru Ware
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Iconic Azure Glaze: The ceramic is finished with a glaze that mimics the "azure as the sky after rain" characteristic of Ru Ware. It is thick, lustrous, and has a jade-like warmth that is incredibly satisfying to hold.
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Cicada-Wing Crackle (Kāipiàn): True to the tradition, a delicate network of fine cracks covers the surface. As you use the Gaiwan, the tea oils will "nourish" these lines, creating a beautiful, personalized pattern over time.
Poetic Motif: "Xiangyun Diewu"
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Auspicious Clouds : Representing good fortune and celestial harmony, the cloud motifs are rendered with fluid, graceful lines.
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Dancing Butterflies: The butterfly symbolizes freedom, joy, and the beauty of life. Together, the clouds and butterflies create a scene of peaceful movement and "Zen" elegance on your tea table.
Innovative "Floating" & Anti-Scald Design
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Floating Lid Technology: The lid is specially engineered to "hover" or sit securely at a precise angle on the bowl’s rim. This structural innovation provides:
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Superior Grip: The lid stays stable during the pour, preventing it from sliding off.
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Effective Heat Dissipation: The unique seat of the lid allows steam to vent more efficiently, keeping the flared rim cooler to the touch.
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Physical Anti-Scald: Combined with a wide, flared rim, this design creates a physical distance between the hot tea and your fingers, solving the common "hot fingers" problem of traditional Gaiwans.
Functional Excellence
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Sancai (Three Talents) Ritual: Comprising the Lid (Heaven), Bowl (Man), and Saucer (Earth), it respects the traditional Chinese tea philosophy while offering modern ease of use.
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Premium Thermal Stability: The high-quality ceramic retains heat effectively for optimal tea extraction but remains comfortable to handle, making it perfect for brewing Oolong, Pu-erh, or delicate Green teas.
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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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