Ice Castle Gaiwan
Best porcelain vessel for tea enthusiasts practicing traditional gongfu brewing.
Experience traditional tea ceremonies with this elegant gaiwan. Crafted from durable porcelain, it features a captivating light blue crackle finish, adding a touch of artistry to your brewing ritual. Designed for focused gongfu brewing, this vessel holds a generous 5 oz. (150ml) of your favorite tea. For optimal care and longevity, hand wash only, avoiding harsh detergents and extreme temperature changes. This beautiful piece is perfect for creating mindful moments and exploring the art of tea.
$36.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.4
/ 5
Category Rank
2607
/ 3134
#2607 in Coffee Servers & Tea Pots
Price vs Category Average
-82%
Below average
Material
Porcelain
/ Porcelain
Who it's for
- Precision brewers who value clean, controlled, and drip-free pouring
- Visual learners who enjoy observing the tea brewing process
- Tea enthusiasts seeking a versatile tool for various loose-leaf varieties
Who should skip it
- Users sensitive to heat who prefer insulated or handled vessels
- Careless handlers who require durable, shatter-resistant teaware
- Novice tea drinkers who prefer an intuitive, easy-to-use brewing method
Performance breakdown
Heat Retention
Porcelain walls provide steady thermal stability for delicate green tea brewing.
Ergonomic Handling
The flared rim design allows for comfortable pouring during rapid infusions.
Aesthetic Appeal
The crackle glaze finish offers a sophisticated, artisanal visual experience.
Gongfu Versatility
Perfectly sized for focused, multi-steep sessions with high-quality loose leaf.
Build Durability
High-quality porcelain requires careful handling to prevent chips or cracks.
Maintenance Ease
Strict hand-wash requirements demand extra attention after every tea session.
Key Specs
Material
Porcelain
Capacity
5 oz. (150ml)
Gaiwan dimensions
4" diameter at opening, 3" tall with saucer
Saucer dimensions
4.25" diameter, 0.75" tall
Care
Hand wash only
Not microwave safe
Not dishwasher safe
Server Type
Tea Pot
Know before you buy
A gaiwan is designed specifically for gongfu-style brewing, which uses a higher ratio of tea leaves to water for multiple short infusions. Its open design allows you to easily observe the leaves as they unfurl and provides better control over the steep time.
The crackle glaze is a traditional aesthetic feature that adds texture and visual depth to the porcelain. Over time, the fine lines in the glaze may absorb tea tannins, which can create a unique, personalized patina that tells the story of the teas you have brewed.
Porcelain conducts heat, so the sides will become warm to the touch. To handle it comfortably, hold the gaiwan by the rim of the lid and the base of the saucer, or use the 'pinch' technique where you grip the edges of the lid and the saucer simultaneously.
The crackle glaze and the delicate nature of the porcelain can be compromised by the high heat and abrasive detergents used in dishwashers. Similarly, rapid temperature fluctuations in a microwave can cause the porcelain to crack or the glaze to craze further.
No, a strainer is not required. You use the lid of the gaiwan to act as a filter by slightly offsetting it from the rim, allowing you to pour the tea into your cup while keeping the leaves inside the vessel.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.