Bana Chrysanthemum and Fishes "Blue and White" Chinese Porcelain Gaiwan and Pu-erh Tea Sample

Gaiwans are used to brew tea in the traditional style of the Chinese Gongfu (Kungfu) Tea Ceremony. Several successive brews of the tea are combined in a "fairness pitcher," (not included) which serves to average-out the several brews into a "fair" mixture. The tea is then poured from the fairness pitcher into tea cups (also not included). Alternatively, tea can be drunk directly from the gaiwan, the lid used both to keep the tea warm and as a strainer to block the tea leaves from consumption. This particular gaiwan bears a design in the "qinghua" style that was popular and perfected during China's Qing dynasty. Sometimes referred to as "blue and white porcelain," Qinghua translates in English to "blue flower." The cobalt "blue" pigment used in these "blue and white" ceramics historically came from Persia and the "Islamic" influence can be seen in many qinghua designs. This gaiwan is on the larger side and stands about 3 3/4 inches high and about 3 3/4 inches in diameter. It can contain up to 5.8 ounces to lid level and can be used to brew tea for 2-4 persons enjoying tea in the Gongfu style.