vv8oo Blue White Peony Gaiwan Tea Set

This is actually a great starter gaiwan! At 200cc (about 6.8oz), it's a standard size that's perfect for learning the gongfu tea ceremony. The beautiful blue and white peony design makes practicing tea rituals feel more engaging and special. That said, be aware that gaiwans don't have handles—you hold the lid and saucer to pour—so there's a learning curve to avoid burning your fingers with hot water. The lightweight, thin ceramic construction actually helps here because it doesn't retain as much heat as thicker pottery.

For serious tea drinkers, absolutely! Those thin porcelain walls give you precise temperature control, which is crucial for delicate teas like green or white tea that can turn bitter if over-steeped in too-hot water. The lightweight construction also means less hand fatigue during multiple infusions in a gongfu session. However, this delicate construction comes with a tradeoff—several reviewers mentioned poor packaging leading to broken items on arrival, so inspect it carefully when it arrives.

While the product description mentions coffee and espresso, this is traditionally a Chinese gaiwan designed for tea. That said, some creative users do repurpose gaiwans for other hot beverages. Just keep in mind the thin ceramic and lack of handle make it tricky with very hot liquids until you get the hang of the pouring technique. It's also worth noting one reviewer mentioned a loose-fitting lid, which might be less than ideal for anything other than traditional tea brewing.

Reviewers consistently rave about the aesthetics—words like 'beautiful,' 'elegant,' and 'delicate' come up frequently. The blue and white artwork is hand-painted traditional Chinese porcelain styling, which gives each piece a slightly unique character. Six different reviewers specifically mentioned how lovely the design is, and one noted it 'feels nice in the hand.' This is definitely a gaiwan you'll be proud to display and use during tea ceremonies.

Unfortunately, yes—this is a legitimate concern. Two reviewers specifically complained about very poor packaging leading to broken items. Given the delicate, thin-walled construction, this gaiwan needs careful packaging that it apparently doesn't always receive. When yours arrives, inspect it immediately before use and don't hesitate to request a replacement if there are any chips or cracks. Once it arrives intact, though, the craftsmanship itself is well-regarded.

At 200cc (about 6.8 fluid ounces), this is ideal for solo tea sessions or sharing between two people. In gongfu style brewing, you typically fill the gaiwan about halfway and do multiple short infusions, so this size yields roughly 3-4 ounces per infusion—perfect for filling two small tasting cups. It's the most common gaiwan size, making it versatile whether you're brewing alone or with one tea companion. The capacity works well for everything from delicate white teas to robust oolongs.