The gaiwan is a lidded bowl that has been used for centuries. Its design is simple and elegant, and allows for a full appreciation of the color, aroma, and taste of the tea. The word “gaiwan” literally means “lid bowl” in Chinese, and the design of the gaiwan is intended to allow for easy brewing and drinking of tea.
The history of the gaiwan began on the Ming dynasty (1368-1644 CE), when it was known as a “sancai wan” (three-colored bowl), which were typically used for serving food, but also for drinking tea.
Later, the design of the bowl evolved into the gaiwan that is known today, during the Qing dynasty (1644-1912 CE).
The gaiwan was particularly popular during the Song dynasty (960-1279 CE) among scholars and literati, who valued the simplicity and elegance of the design. The gaiwan was also favored by tea merchants, who used it to assess the quality of tea before making a purchase.
Today, the gaiwan remains an important part of Chinese tea culture, and is widely used for brewing and drinking tea.
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