Using a Gaiwan differs between men and women. How to brew a good cup of Tea with a gaiwan depends on individual circumstances.
The normal capacity of a gaiwan typically ranges from 100ml to 300ml. Different people will choose according to their needs.
Gaiwans preferred by women
▲Women have smaller hands, so they need more compact Teaware.
Women have smaller hands, so they need more compact teaware. The size of the gaiwan generally should not exceed 150ml. Therefore, the most suitable size for a gaiwan is between 100-150ml.
It can be even smaller, like 80ml, as this size also exists.
A 150ml gaiwan is usually about 9cm in diameter at the rim and 8cm tall. So, in my opinion, a size of 120ml would be most suitable for women. This size is moderate; if the material is thin porcelain, it won't feel heavy or hot in the hand, making it the best choice.
Gaiwans preferred by men
▲Men tend to Drink larger quantities of tea more frequently, so they need a larger gaiwan.
Men tend to drink larger quantities of tea more frequently, so they need a larger gaiwan.
The largest gaiwan is around 300cc.
Anything larger than that would be too bulky and unattractive, even for a robust man. A 150ml gaiwan is the most suitable.
Larger gaiwans
The above sizes are suitable for single users. When brewing tea for a group, using a larger gaiwan is more convenient, and a 300cc gaiwan can come in handy.
When purchasing a gaiwan, please note the following:
In addition to capacity, pay attention to the bowl's rim and the lid knob.
One wide mouth:
The distance between the rim of the bowl and the edge of the lid should be wide, preventing tea from spilling and scalding your hand.
Two high lid knobs:
If the lid knob is recessed and close to the lid, pressing your fingers on it could still be hot.
A higher lid knob makes it easier to handle.
Additionally: We know that the strength of tea varies greatly across different regions. For example, in Chaozhou, people put a lot of tea leaves into their gaiwans, at least 8-12g, while in Xiamen, they use approximately 6-8g. In Fuzhou, they prefer a lighter taste, requiring only 3-5g of tea leaves. Even with gaiwans of the same size, the amount of tea used can differ significantly based on regional preferences.