The gaiwan – composed of three parts: lid, bowl, and holder – is known in Chinese tradition as the Three Talents Gaiwan (三才盖碗). Each element symbolizes one of the cosmic forces: Heaven (lid), Earth (holder), and Human (bowl). Together, they embody the harmony between nature and human life, a philosophy at the heart of classical Chinese thought.
Beyond symbolism, the gaiwan is also a highly versatile brewing vessel. With a single movement of lid and bowl, it allows both freedom and precision, enabling the tea to fully express its character.
Rooted in our learnings from master practitioners — from our tea teacher master Yu, to Tea Agriculture PhD Dr. Chen, to skilled farmers and producers across Taiwan and China —
This series invites you to explore the gaiwan as both cultural icon and practice of attention, creativity, and sensory depth.
From foundational skills to advanced mastery, you will learn how small shifts in gesture, water, and timing can completely transform the tea in your cup.
3h course, beginning with an introduction to the gaiwan’s history, symbolism, and design — from the classic round bowl to the distinctive “horse-hoof” form, and from porcelain to clay, exploring how shapes and materials influence flavor and aroma. Building on this, the session moves into practical training in the fundamentals: how to hold, tilt, and pour with ease. It also introduces the basics of water lines, pouring points, and height — simple adjustments that can already shift the tea’s character. These glimpses serve as an entry into the more advanced techniques developed in the Master Class.
Beginners and curious tea lovers, as well as those already familiar with the gaiwan who wish to uncover overlooked details.
In this 3+1h master class, the gaiwan becomes a vessel for exploration, a precise yet playful tool: every pouring point, angle, and swirl writes a different story in the cup.
You will learn to map the gaiwan like a clock — exploring pours at 6/12, 7/5, and 3/9 o’clock — and experience how each sets the leaves into horizontal spins, vertical spirals, or a steady, anchored infusion. Through guided experiments, the same tea reveals multiple faces as you compare outcomes side by side. We will also match techniques to tea types, building a practical compass for brewing oolong, black, and pu’er.
The session culminates in a live brewing challenge (1h): each participant receives a tea they have not practiced before and must apply their skills to draw out its most vivid expression. A playful, advanced, and highly sensory way to integrate everything learned.
Those who wish to move from familiarity to mastery, from technique to artistry.