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Gaiwan Teapot
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Gaiwan teapots are the other main style of Chinese teapot created during the Ming Dynasty. Loosely translated, “gaiwan” means “covered bowl”. Gaiwans consist of three main pieces: cup, lid, and saucer. They do not have handles. The lid fits inside the lips of the cup, and the saucer insulates the bottom and allows you to hold the hot cup safely. You can either drink directly from the main cup or pour it into smaller individual cups. Because the lid catches the leaves, there is no strainer. They are normally made of porcelain but may also be made from glass and clay as well. Although they can be used to prepare most teas, they are used primarily for brewing more delicate loose-leaf teas. Porcelain loses heat quickly, so lower temperature teas brew well in a gaiwan.
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