Woonsoon Yixing Zisha Gaiwan 170ml

It's made from authentic Yixing zisha (purple clay), which is the traditional material that develops character and enhances tea flavor over time. At this price point, you're getting genuine Yixing clay rather than generic ceramic—a pretty rare find for beginners wanting to experience the real thing without spending $100+.

Yes, this is particularly beginner-friendly. Users specifically mention the textured grip, flared rim, and ergonomic design that make pouring easy and consistent. The handle stays cool during brewing, so you won't burn your fingers while you're learning the technique. The 170ml capacity is also a bit larger than typical gaiwans, giving you more room for error.

This is the honest trade-off: some units arrive cracked or develop cracks from thermal shock, which suggests inconsistent quality control. If you're looking for a bulletproof gaiwan that'll last decades, you'll want to invest in something higher-end. But if you're exploring gongfu brewing and want authentic Yixing clay at an entry-level price, this is worth the gamble—just inspect it carefully when it arrives and avoid extreme temperature changes.

Absolutely. Beginners appreciate the intuitive design and easy-pour spout, while experienced users have praised the ergonomic shape and the way authentic Yixing clay seasons over time to enhance tea character. The proper traditional design means you're learning correct gongfu technique from the start, not developing bad habits with a poorly-designed vessel.

Yixing zisha clay is porous and breathable, so it absorbs subtle tea oils and aromas over time. This means your gaiwan will gradually 'season' and develop a relationship with your tea—many enthusiasts dedicate specific Yixing vessels to specific tea types (like oolongs or pu-erh) for this reason. Porcelain is neutral and won't change, but Yixing clay actually becomes part of your brewing ritual.

170ml is actually on the larger side for gaiwans, which users mention as a positive feature. It's enough for 2-3 small cups per brewing session, or one generous serving if you're drinking solo. The larger capacity also means it's more forgiving for beginners—you have more room to work with while learning proper pouring technique.