Qing Dynasty Gaiwan and Cup
Best antique teaware for serious tea collectors and history enthusiasts.
Experience a touch of history with this antique tea set, originating from the Qing Dynasty and estimated to be over a century old. It is presented in excellent vintage condition, making it a distinguished addition for any serious tea collector. The interior glaze offers versatility for brewing all your favorite tea types. The gaiwan provides a generous serving, while the accompanying cup is perfect for focused tasting. Its traditional design and solid pattern theme also make it a beautiful display piece.
$300.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
285
/ 2407
#285 in Coffee & Tea Sets
Price vs Category Average
+141%
Above average
Age
Century+ old antique
/ Century+ old antique
Who it's for
- Beginners looking for a cohesive, ready-to-use traditional set
- Tea lovers seeking a culturally immersive brewing experience
- Connoisseurs prioritizing pure flavor profiles in delicate teas
Who should skip it
- Novices intimidated by complex, hands-on pouring techniques
- Users preferring low-maintenance or highly durable kitchenware
- People sensitive to heat or lacking steady, careful hands
Performance breakdown
Historical Authenticity
A genuine century-old artifact that brings authentic heritage to your table.
Brewing Versatility
The high-quality interior glaze accommodates any tea variety without flavor retention.
Ergonomic Handling
Traditional gaiwan design requires a steady hand and practiced pouring technique.
Material Integrity
Porcelain remains in excellent vintage condition despite its significant age.
Serving Capacity
The 135 ml volume is perfectly balanced for intimate, focused sessions.
Maintenance Ease
Requires delicate hand washing and careful handling due to antique status.
Key Specs
Age
Century+ old antique
Gaiwan Volume
135 ml (4.5 oz)
Cup Volume
50 ml (1.7 oz)
Gaiwan Size
10.1 cm x 10.1 cm x 8.2 cm (4" x 4" x 3.25")
Cup Size
6.4 cm x 6.4 cm x 5.7 cm (2.5" x 2.5" x 2.25")
Material
Porcelain
Interior
Glazed
Care
Hand Wash, No Soap
Know before you buy
While this is a genuine antique, it remains fully functional. The glazed interior makes it safe for brewing, though given its age and historical value, we recommend handling it with extra care during use.
To preserve the integrity of the antique porcelain, hand wash the pieces gently with warm water only. Avoid using soap, detergents, or abrasive scrubbers, as these can damage the vintage glaze.
Yes. The interior is glazed, which prevents the porcelain from absorbing the flavors or aromas of your tea. This makes it a versatile choice for brewing everything from delicate green teas to robust oolongs or pu-erhs.
The gaiwan has a capacity of 135 ml (4.5 oz), while the matching cup holds 50 ml (1.7 oz). This sizing is ideal for traditional gongfu-style tea sessions where you prefer smaller, focused infusions.
The set includes its original matching lid, which is designed to sit properly on the gaiwan. As with all antique hand-crafted teaware, there may be slight variations in the fit compared to modern mass-produced sets.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.