Description

SiamTeas Signature Gaiwan, Set 120ml with Tea Bowl – click pictures to enlarge

Tea Pottery  @ Siam Tea Shop – The Signature Line

All elements of the SiamTee Signature line are individually handcrafted pottery aworks of art according to my specifications, taking orientation on the elementary instruments of tea preparation. For this purpose, the Siam Tea Shop collaborates with 2 reputed German master potters with relevant specialization. While the Lower Saxon pottery master Karina Klages has had an international reputation in the field of teaware for several years, Katja Junker initially earned her spurs in general ceramics and, eventually finding a higher calling through Siam Tea Shop.

The clay typically used is a major coining factor of each of the 2 artists’ work. In addition, there there are specific individual style features that are characteristic for any artisan’s work. The goal of the Signature Tea Pottery line was to merge such artist-specific characteristics aesthetically and functionally with those of classic role models. In addition to a tendency towards simplicity in design, there is an aesthetic focus on the nature of the clay. The line therefore often works with unglazed surfaces, highlighting the color and structure of the respective clay.

In line with the aesthetic concept, the functional dimension of the elements of the signature line is based on a philosophy of simplistic perfectionism. This means that the respective function of a vessel finds a rather uncomplicated implementation with focus on smoothest possible use. This in turn harmonizes perfectly with the basic aesthetic concept of simple natural beauty.

The Gaiwan in Tea Preparation

The “gaiwan” is a Chinese vessel for making tea. It developed from a simple tea bowl, originally used to both infuse and drink the tea. Such a “chawan” was first mentioned in literature as early as the 9th century in the book Chajing by the Chinese “tea sage” Lu Yu.

During the time of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), with the change from powdered tea to leaf tea, the way of preparing tea also changed. As a result, the vessel now came with a lid and changed name to “gaiwan”. In addition, it now often rested on an accompanying saucer. In Chinese tea culture the gaiwn is traditionally used primarily to prepare less oxidized types of tea. Accordingly, it is mostly Chinese green teas or white teas for whose preparation the gaiwan finds use. However, the gaiwan is also well suitable for the preparation of lower oxidized oolong teas.

As an alternative to the classic use as a preparation and drinking vessel, the gaiwan is now also used like a teapot, from which the tea is poured into a bowl after infusing. At this, the characteristic modern size of 100-150ml capacity enables the operation with just one hand. To do this, grasp the vessel with your thumb and middle finger so that the index finger can slide the lid into a slightly inclined position, when lifting it. In this way, the tea flows unhindered into the tea bowl when pouring. The saucer, on the other hand, is not necessarily part of the gaiwan anymore today.

SiamTee Signature Gaiwan 120ml Set with Tea Cup, light grey with white interior glaze

The basic material of the gaiwan and accompanying tea cup by the Lower Saxony tea pottery master Karina Klages is a fine-grained light grey clay. The fine-sand, rough surface emerging during firing helps the outer surfaces of the vessel to best haptic properties. Together with the simple, functional design, it also shapes the aesthetics and visual appearance of the tea vessels. Another functional and aesthetic element of both vessels is the white glaze covering bottom and inner wall up to the fill level. On the one hand, this eases the cleaning of the vessel after use. On the other hand, the thin glaze coat with the base color translucent at the raised points forms an appealing visual contrast to the natural clay color of the upper edge area and the outer wall.

Gaiwan and tea bowl each hold approx. 120 ml of liquid, the gaiwan plus the required amount of tea leaves. A filling of the gaiwan provides exactly one filling of the bowl. The shape and color of the tea bowl also take orientation on the preparation vessel. The shapely, elegant gaiwan pours drip-free, and you can touch and handle it at the rim even in hot condition. Regular rinsing with warm water will help preventing the formation of patina.

Why so sparsely glazed?

Well, why so sparsely glazed… First of all, it were natural, unglazed works that had initially inspired me to the line. On the one hand, because the natural clay greatly emphasizes the connection between the soil and the tea leaves. Then, because the desirable properties of clay with tea preparation will show best this way. And thirdly, I found the unglazed vessels simply incredibly beautiful and best reflecting the simple character of tea.

Please note ! Since each of our SiamTeas Signature Gaiwan is individually hand-crafted, virtually every specimen is unique. Therefore, minor deviations in shape and capacity may occur between individual specimens.

Other elements of our SiamTeas Signature Tea Ceramics Line

For more elements of the SiamTeas Signature Tea Ceramics line follow this link

https://www.siam-teas.com/product-category/siamteas-signature-teapottery/