Zen Lotus Aged Clay "Two-Piece" Gaiwan (Anti-Scald)
This Gaiwan is a tribute to rustic minimalist aesthetics. Crafted from mineral-rich "Aged Rock Clay" (Lao Yan Ni) and featuring a symbolic Lotus Seed Pod motif, it offers an earthy, grounded brewing experience. The "Two-Piece" (Lid & Bowl) design is perfect for those who appreciate a streamlined, Zen-inspired Kung Fu tea ritual.
Craftsmanship & Earthy Aesthetics
-
Aged Rock Clay: Made from high-quality, coarse-textured aged clay. This material is prized for its high mineral content and breathability. Like a Zisha (Yixing) teapot, it "seasons" over time, absorbing tea oils to enhance the flavor and aroma of your future brews.
-
Lotus Seed Pod Motif: The lid is crowned with a delicately sculpted lotus seed pod. In Chinese culture, the lotus pod symbolizes wisdom, fertility, and the harvest of life's efforts. The texture of the clay mimics the organic feel of dried lotus, bringing a piece of nature to your tea table.
-
Wabi-Sabi Texture: The kiln-fired finish produces natural variations in color and a slightly granular touch, embodying the beauty of imperfection and the passage of time.
Minimalist "Two-Piece" Structure (Ercai)
-
Simplified Elegance: Unlike the standard three-piece (Sancai) set, this Two-Piece (Lid & Bowl) version omits the saucer. This "Ercai" style is favored by modern tea practitioners for its portability, space-saving footprint, and more direct "pot-like" handling.
-
Anti-Scald Design: The Gaiwan features a significantly widened and flared rim. This ensures that even when the bowl is filled with boiling water, the edges remain cool enough to grip comfortably. The lotus pod knob also provides a secure, heat-resistant point for your index finger.
Performance & Tea Pairing
-
Breathable Material: The porous nature of the aged clay helps soften the water and rounds out the "fire" in heavily roasted teas.
-
Ideal for Robust Teas: This vessel is the perfect partner for Heicha (Dark Tea), aged Pu-erh, and roasted Oolongs (like Da Hong Pao). It excels at maintaining the high temperatures required to extract the deep, complex notes of these teas.
-
Smooth Pour: The bowl’s mouth is precision-engineered for a clean, drip-free pour, allowing you to control the flow with ease.
Choose options
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.
"The handcrafted piece from Oriental Artisan has exceeded all my expectations. The impeccable quality and intricate details are remarkable, bringing a sense of timeless elegance to my space. The entire experience was flawless, and I am a customer for life."
Isabella Chen, Interior Designer
"As a collector, I seek items that combine historical reverence with impeccable craftsmanship. The piece I purchased is a masterpiece, clearly crafted with profound care and respect for tradition. Oriental Artisan is an absolute gem for anyone who appreciates genuine works of art."
Dr. Julian Carter, Art Historian
"The item I purchased felt special from the moment I saw it. The personal touch of the customer service was truly impressive; it felt like a shared heritage. My order arrived in perfect condition and is now a cherished part of my home."
Sophia Rivera, Philanthropist & Art Enthusiast
Rediscover Your Favorites
Your Recently Viewed Treasures
Discovering something special should be effortless. We've saved the products you've recently explored so you can easily return to them and continue your journey. Whether you're ready to make a choice or want to browse again, your favorites are right here.