I’ve only used this a couple of times but it’s already quickly becoming my favorite gaiwan to use. It’s got great ergonomics and the calligraphy is beautiful – I love the way the blue ink pops out and contrasts against the matte, light grey stoneware. This is a very well-crafted piece; the flaring on the edges is perfect, with a thin brim that consistently returns a very clean and smooth pour, down to the very last drop. The knob of the lid has a perfect indent; my finger rests comfortably on top, and the lid sits firmly to the body of the gaiwan. The lid is domed, trapping air so the button stays cool, which inspires confidence during the pour when using short steep times with freshly boiled water. The cup itself is thick where it needs to be, so the heat retention is good, and it’s shaped well with a round belly plus a nice contour leading up to the brim, which allows for even the largest leaves to fully expand and release all of their delicious flavors. This is literally the perfect vessel for any and every kind of tea you can put into it. I’m sure each gaiwan will be slightly different, but here are some technical specifications on the one I got in case its helpful for anybody reading this: The cup alone weighs 82.5 grams, the lid weighs 36.6 grams, and the total weight is 119 grams – just over a quarter-pound, which is nice. It’s not so heavy that it feels clunky, but it’s not so light that it feels fragile… it’s just right. When filled flatly to the brim, my gaiwan holds 130mL of water. At the point where the meniscus of the water meets the rim of the lid and begins to form a seal with the cup, it holds 100mL of water. This is an awesome gaiwan, in every way. I’m really glad I picked one of these up.
