Changes

==Function==

==Function==

[[File:YellowGaiwan.jpg|right|thumb|175px|A lidded porcelain gaiwan]]

[[File:Gaiwan-red-dragon-open.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Gaiwan with open lid]]

[[File:YellowGaiwanLidOff.jpg|right|thumb|175px|An open porcelain gaiwan]]

The gaiwan is considered by many tea connoisseurs to be the preferred method for brewing teas with delicate flavors and aromas, such as [[green tea]] and [[white tea]], although without the lid in these cases. The versatility of the gaiwan is also noted in the preparation of [[oolong]] infusions because of this particular tea's ability to be infused multiple times, but the gaiwan is suitable for any type of tea. The gaiwan is important in tea tasting due to its open and glazed surfaces: the former allows the tea to be viewed while brewing, and the latter prevents altering of the flavour and aroma of the tea during brewing.  

The gaiwan is considered by many tea connoisseurs to be the preferred method for brewing teas with delicate flavors and aromas, such as [[green tea]] and [[white tea]], although without the lid in these cases. The versatility of the gaiwan is also noted in the preparation of [[oolong]] infusions because of this particular tea's ability to be infused multiple times, but the gaiwan is suitable for any type of tea. The gaiwan is important in tea tasting due to its open and glazed surfaces: the former allows the tea to be viewed while brewing, and the latter prevents altering of the flavour and aroma of the tea during brewing.  

The gaiwan consists of a saucer, bowl, and lid. The lid allows the tea to be infused right in the bowl and either be drunk right from the bowl (traditionally using the lid to block the leaves for ease of consumption), or decanted into another container. The gaiwan itself can be made from a variety of materials, including [[porcelain]] and [[glass]]. Gaiwans made from [[Yixing clay]] or [[jade]] are particularly prized by collectors of tea paraphernalia.

The gaiwan consists of a saucer, bowl, and lid. The lid allows the tea to be infused right in the bowl and either be drunk right from the bowl (traditionally using the lid to block the leaves for ease of consumption), or decanted into another container. The gaiwan itself can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain and glass. Gaiwans made from [[Yixing clay]] or jade are particularly prized by collectors of tea paraphernalia.

Gaiwan is the preferred method for brewing green and white teas as the gaiwan's porcelain absorbs the heat and does not damage the tea. Gaiwans are less suitable for black teas as the large lid allows heat to escape too quickly during the steeping process. They are especially common in the north of China for enjoying scented teas like jasmine tea.

Gaiwan is the preferred method for brewing green and white teas as the gaiwan's porcelain absorbs the heat and does not damage the tea. Gaiwans are less suitable for black teas as the large lid allows heat to escape too quickly during the steeping process. They are especially common in the north of China for enjoying scented teas like jasmine tea.