Choose Your Set
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Full Set: Lacquer cup + lid + lacquerware tray
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Lacquer Cup Only: Bowl with lid, no tray
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Lacquerware Tray Only: Saucer sold separately
Each piece is crafted individually. Buy the set or build your own.
A traditional Chinese gaiwan tea set combining hand-applied emerald green lacquerware with authentic Yixing purple clay. Designed for gongfu tea ceremony, this artisan-made set brings thousand-year-old Chinese lacquer craft to your daily tea ritual.
Why This Lacquer Gaiwan Is Different
Authentic Raw Lacquer Finish: This isn't decorative lacquerware that sits behind glass. The emerald green finish comes from raw lacquer — tree sap harvested by hand, applied in thin coats, cured slowly over weeks.
Layer by layer, the surface builds depth. The color isn't painted on. It's in the lacquer itself. Under natural light, the green shifts between deep forest and soft jade. The texture is matte with subtle variations — fingerprints of the making process. No two pieces look exactly the same.
Yixing Purple Clay Interior: Inside the lacquer cup sits unglazed Yixing purple clay — zisha — the material Chinese tea drinkers have trusted for centuries.
Purple clay is porous. It absorbs tea oils over time, seasoning like cast iron. Dedicate this cup to one type of tea and it will reward you with richer, smoother brews as years pass. The lacquerware exterior protects your hands from heat. The zisha interior protects your tea from compromise.
Traditional Chinese Craftsmanship: This is how Chinese lacquerware has been made for thousands of years. No shortcuts. Each gaiwan is hand-finished by skilled artisans using techniques passed down through generations.
Product Specifications
| Material: |
Yixing purple clay (zisha) + raw natural lacquer |
| Color: |
Emerald green lacquerware finish |
| Capacity: |
Approx. 130ml (4.4 oz) |
| Set Includes: |
Gaiwan bowl, lid, matching lacquerware tray (full set option) |
| Design: |
Traditional gaiwan proportions for gongfu tea brewing |
| Origin: |
Handmade artisan lacquerware, China |
| Availability: |
Limited edition - only 5 sets |
How to Use Your Lacquer Gaiwan
- Rinse with hot water before first use
- Add tea leaves to the gaiwan bowl
- Pour hot water according to your tea type
- Steep for desired time
- Tilt lid slightly and pour into cup
- The lacquer surface stays cool enough to hold comfortably
The zisha clay interior does the real work, enhancing flavor with each brew.
Lacquerware Care Instructions
Lacquerware ages beautifully when treated well:
- Rinse with warm water after each use
- Never use soap or abrasive cleaners
- Dry immediately with a soft cloth
- Store away from direct sunlight
- Handle with care — lacquer rewards patience
With proper care, your lacquer gaiwan will develop a richer patina over time.
Perfect For
- ✓ Gongfu tea ceremony enthusiasts
- ✓ Collectors of authentic Chinese tea ware
- ✓ Those seeking handmade artisan lacquerware
- ✓ Daily tea drinkers who value traditional craft
- ✓ Anyone looking for functional lacquerware, not just decorative pieces
Limited Availability - Only 5 Sets Left
Handmade means limited. This emerald green colorway won't restock once sold out. Each gaiwan set is individually crafted and unique.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a lacquer gaiwan used for?
A lacquer gaiwan is a traditional Chinese tea brewing vessel used for gongfu tea ceremony. The lacquer coating keeps the exterior cool while the Yixing clay interior enhances tea flavor.
How do you season Yixing purple clay?
Dedicate your gaiwan to one type of tea (oolong, pu-erh, etc.). With regular use, the porous zisha clay absorbs tea oils and develops a seasoned patina that improves flavor over time.
Is lacquerware safe for hot tea?
Yes. Natural raw lacquer is food-safe and heat-resistant. It's been used in Chinese tea culture for thousands of years. The lacquer exterior protects your hands from heat.
How long does lacquerware last?
With proper care, lacquerware can last generations. Avoid soap and abrasives, dry after use, and store away from direct sunlight.
Can I use this gaiwan for all types of tea?
Yes, but for best results with Yixing clay, dedicate it to one tea category (green tea, oolong, black tea, or pu-erh) to build optimal seasoning.
