Handmade Zisha Gaiwan - 170ml Porcelain Kungfu Tea Bowl

At Crafiel, we believe that the right tea set does more than brew tea—it transforms your daily routine into a serene ritual. Choosing and caring for your teaware is a personal journey, one that deepens your connection to tea itself. This guide will help you select the perfect set for your needs and teach you how to preserve it, ensuring every cup is a moment of calm.

Part 1: How to Choose Your Tea Set

Finding your ideal tea set depends on how you enjoy tea—whether alone, with friends, at home, or on the go.

1. For Personal Quiet Time (Solo Brewing)

• Gaiwan (Lidded Bowl): A versatile classic. Perfect for brewing all types of tea, especially oolongs and pu'er. It allows you to control the steep time with the lid and appreciate the tea's aroma. Choose a size around 100-200ml.
• Small Teapot (1-2 cup capacity): Ideal for black, green, or white teas. A compact pot made of porcelain or clay is easy to handle and perfect for a mindful pause.

2. For Sharing with Friends & Family (Social Brewing)

• Medium to Large Teapot (4-6 cup capacity): Essential for hosting. A sturdy porcelain or ceramic pot is a great all-rounder for serving multiple guests.
• Complete Tea Sets: Our curated sets often include a teapot, cups, and a tray. They take the guesswork out of matching pieces and are presented in beautiful gift-ready packaging.

3. For the Traveling Tea Lover (Portable Brewing)

• Portable Sets: Look for lightweight, durable materials like ceramic or reinforced porcelain that come with a compact carry case. These sets often include a mini pot, stackable cups, and sometimes a travel tea tray.

4. Understanding Material Benefits

• Porcelain/Ceramic: Versatile and neutral. They don't retain flavors, making them perfect for every type of tea, especially delicate green and white teas. Easy to clean and often dishwasher safe.
• Zisha (Purple Clay): Porous and natural. Excellent for oolong, pu'er, and black tea. The clay absorbs trace elements from the tea over time, enhancing the flavor of future brews. Each pot becomes unique to you.
• Glass: Beautiful and functional. Allows you to watch the tea leaves dance and unfurl. Best for green, white, and flowering teas.
• Cast Iron: Fantastic heat retention. Best for keeping tea hot for long periods. Ideal for brewing Japanese-style green teas or simply boiling water.

Part 2: How to Care for Your Tea Set

Proper care will extend the life of your tea set and improve your tea's flavor.

General Cleaning Rules

• Rinse Immediately: Always rinse your teapot and cups with warm water right after use to prevent tannin stains.
• Avoid Soap: Never use harsh detergents or abrasive scrubbers, especially on porous clay (Zisha) pots. The soap can seep into the material and ruin the taste of future teas. Simply scrub with a soft sponge and water.
• Air Dry Thoroughly: Let all components air dry completely before storing them to prevent mildew, especially the tea tray's water drawer and any bamboo parts.

Specific Care by Material

1. Zisha (Purple Clay) Teapots & Tea Pets:

• Seasoning: Dedicate a pot to one type of tea (e.g., only oolong) for the best results.
• Nourishing: Pour the spent tea water over your warm teapot and tea pets after a session. Wipe gently with a soft cloth. Over time, they will develop a beautiful, shiny patina.

2. Porcelain & Glass

• These are low-maintenance. Stains can often be removed by soaking with a paste of baking soda and water. They are usually dishwasher safe (check product details).

3. Cast Iron

• Dry Thoroughly: After washing and drying by hand, gently warm the empty pot on low heat to ensure all moisture is gone and prevent rust. Do not leave tea in it overnight.

4. Bamboo Tea Trays

• Empty and Wipe: Empty the water reservoir after each use and wipe the tray dry. Do not let water sit for long periods.
• Ventilation: Store in a dry, well-ventilated area to prevent the bamboo from warping or molding.

Storage

• Store your teaware in a clean, dry cabinet.
• Leave lids off teapots to allow air circulation.
• Use tea caddies or canisters with airtight seals to protect your loose-leaf tea from light, air, and moisture, which is the first step to a great brew.

Conclusion

Your tea set is a companion on your journey to quiet moments and shared connections. At Crafiel, we are here to help you find that perfect piece. Explore our collections and begin your ritual today.

Craft Your Moment. Savor the Stillness.