Description
Jingdezhen Hand-Painted Gaiwan: A Freehand Aquatic Scene (160ml / 5.4 oz)
This one-of-a-kind gaiwan captures a beautiful moment in nature. Hand-thrown and hand-painted in Jingdezhen, it combines the vibrant art of underglaze red with classic cobalt blue. The two-piece design includes a perfectly fitted bowl and a domed lid, engineered to sit seamlessly within the rim while brewing.
Artistic Details & Craftsmanship
The design is painted in a freehand, expressive style (Xieyi), prioritizing movement and feeling over precise outlines.
- The Crab: A single, bold stroke of cobalt blue forms the crab’s shell. While the glaze is still wet, the claws and eight legs are dragged out quickly, leaving the blue naturally uneven—a beautiful result of the brush’s water content.
- The Fish: Two minimalist underglaze red fish are painted with just a few lines for the body and tail. No scales, no eyes—just delicate, light-red strokes.
- The Persimmons: On the other side, two persimmons are painted in flat washes of underglaze red, topped with a layer of cobalt blue leaves and a few scattered blue dots.
- Interior & Lid: The inside of the bowl is mostly left blank to highlight the tea liquor, with only two tiny red fish at the bottom. The domed lid features a matching red flower and blue leaves, balancing the design.
How to Brew with Your Gaiwan
Perfect for gongfu tea ceremonies or everyday brewing, this 5.4 oz gaiwan allows you to control the steeping time precisely for oolong, pu-erh, or green tea.
- Warm the gaiwan with hot water, then discard the water.
- Add your favorite loose-leaf tea to the bowl.
- Pour hot water over the leaves and place the lid on top.
- Steep briefly, then pour the tea into a cup or pitcher.
Specifications & Care
- Material: Porcelain (Underglaze Blue & Red)
- Capacity: Approx. 160ml (5.4 oz)
- Origin: Jingdezhen, China
- Firing: High-fired in a single firing
- Care: Hand wash recommended to preserve the delicate hand-painted finish.
- Note: This is a single, unique piece. Slight variations in pattern and color are inherent to its handmade nature.


















