YBK Tech Large Gaiwan with Lotus Pattern

One reviewer noted that the actual usable capacity is closer to 200ml (about 7oz) rather than the advertised 300ml (10oz). This is common with gaiwans — the advertised size often refers to the total volume filled to the brim, but in practice you fill to below the rim to allow room for the lid and to prevent spilling. For gongfu brewing purposes, 200ml of usable space is actually quite generous and works well for brewing multiple servings per infusion.

This YBK Tech gaiwan fits two audiences particularly well. First, beginners — the larger size is easier to handle than a tiny 5oz gaiwan, the price is approachable, and the beautiful design makes the tea ritual immediately enjoyable. Second, pu-erh enthusiasts who want a generous porcelain brewing vessel for long sessions. It's less ideal for people with smaller hands who want to drink directly from the gaiwan (it's a bit unwieldy for that), or for anyone who needs excellent heat retention for extended steeping. If you're looking for something for heavy daily use, the thin porcelain may be a concern — but as a beautiful, functional gaiwan for intentional tea sessions, it delivers.

Two reviewers mention that the lid doesn't fit as tightly as they'd like. For gongfu brewing, a slightly loose lid isn't necessarily a problem — you're actively holding the lid at an angle while pouring anyway. But if you're hoping to use the lid to trap heat for extended steeps, you may find the tea cools faster than expected. One reviewer noted the tea gets cold quickly even with the lid on, which is likely a combination of the loose fit and thin porcelain. For quick gongfu infusions where you're pouring every 15-30 seconds, this is barely noticeable.

Yes — reviewers confirm it's easy to clean, which is a natural advantage of glazed porcelain. Unlike unglazed clay teaware that absorbs tea oils and develops a patina over time, this porcelain gaiwan rinses clean with warm water after each session. Tea stains don't set into the glaze, so it stays looking fresh. The wide-open bowl shape also means there are no hard-to-reach corners where residue can hide.

There are two approaches: you can drink directly from the gaiwan by holding the saucer and using the lid to push back the leaves, or you can pour from the gaiwan into separate drinking cups. With this YBK Tech gaiwan's 10oz size, most people prefer pouring into cups since it's quite large to drink from directly — reviewers with smaller hands find it a bit unwieldy for direct sipping. The traditional method for this size is to use it as a brewing vessel: steep, pour into cups, and repeat for multiple infusions.

Reviewers specifically mention this YBK Tech gaiwan as ideal for pu-erh brewing sessions. The 10oz capacity is generous enough for serious pu-erh cakes where you want to do many infusions and pour multiple servings. Porcelain is a great material choice for pu-erh since you can switch between sheng (raw) and shou (ripe) pu-erh without flavor carryover — something you can't do with an unglazed clay pot. The one trade-off is that the thin porcelain loses heat faster than a thick Yixing pot, so your steep temperatures will drop more quickly between pours.

A gaiwan gives you total control over your brew — you can adjust the lid angle to strain leaves, watch the tea color develop, and easily do multiple short infusions to explore how a tea evolves. This YBK Tech porcelain gaiwan specifically won't absorb flavors like clay would, so it's perfect if you drink different types of tea. Reviewers also point out that the lid and saucer can be used separately — the lid fits over other cups, and the saucer works as a small dish. Some even use retired gaiwans as decorative pieces or trinket holders, which speaks to the craftsmanship of the blue lotus pattern.

It's a strong gift choice. The blue lotus pattern is universally praised — eight reviewers call out the beautiful design — and it comes as a complete three-piece set that looks impressive. The traditional Chinese porcelain craftsmanship gives it a sense of occasion that a standard mug or teapot doesn't match. Even if the recipient doesn't immediately take to gaiwan brewing, it doubles as a decorative art piece. At this price point, it's an affordable yet thoughtful gift that signals you know something about tea culture.

Absolutely — and several reviewers do exactly that. The blue lotus pattern on white porcelain is striking enough that people display it as decorative art when it's not in active tea duty. Reviewers mention using the saucer as a small dish and the lid to cover other cups. Some have even repurposed retired gaiwans as trinket holders. The traditional Chinese porcelain craftsmanship gives it a presence that works well on a shelf or in a display cabinet, making it a dual-purpose purchase.

Using this YBK Tech gaiwan is straightforward: add your tea leaves to the bowl, pour hot water over them, place the lid on at a slight angle to strain the leaves, and pour into your cup by holding the saucer underneath and the lid on top. The 10oz capacity means you can brew enough to pour multiple servings at once, which reviewers appreciate. One thing to keep in mind — the thin porcelain heats up quickly, so grip the edges of the saucer and lid rather than the bowl itself when pouring.

The main factors are size, material, and what teas you'll brew. This YBK Tech gaiwan is porcelain, which is the most versatile material — it won't absorb flavors, so you can switch between tea types freely. The 10oz capacity is on the larger side, which is ideal if you want to brew for multiple people or enjoy longer sessions with teas like pu-erh. Smaller 5oz gaiwans work better for solo gongfu sessions with concentrated steeps. If you're starting out, this larger size is more forgiving, and at this price point, it's a solid choice to learn on before investing in specialized clay gaiwans.

Gaiwan literally translates to 'lidded bowl' in Chinese — it's a traditional three-piece tea brewing vessel consisting of a bowl, lid, and saucer. This YBK Tech gaiwan follows that classic 'sancai' (three talents) design, where the lid represents heaven, the saucer represents earth, and the bowl represents humanity. It's one of the oldest and most respected ways to brew Chinese tea, and this particular version features traditional blue lotus patterns on white porcelain that honor that heritage.

Oolong is arguably the best tea type for gaiwan brewing because it rewards multiple short infusions — the flavor transforms beautifully from steep to steep. In this YBK Tech gaiwan, use about 5-7 grams of oolong, start with a quick rinse (pour hot water in, immediately pour out), then do your first real steep for about 15-20 seconds. Each subsequent infusion can go a bit longer. Good oolongs can handle 6-8 infusions. Use water around 195-205°F depending on the roast level. The 10oz capacity means you'll get generous pours each round.

Start by warming the gaiwan with hot water — pour it in, swirl, and discard. Add your tea leaves (about 5-7 grams for this 10oz size), then pour water at the appropriate temperature for your tea type. Place the lid on and steep for your desired time — gongfu style means short steeps of 10-30 seconds, gradually increasing with each infusion. Tilt the lid slightly to create a gap and pour into your cup or fairness pitcher. The large capacity here means you can comfortably brew enough for 2-3 small cups per infusion. Reviewers note it's especially good for pu-erh sessions where you want multiple pours.

Green tea in a gaiwan is wonderful because you get so much control over temperature and steep time — both critical for green tea. Use water around 170-180°F (not boiling, which will scorch the leaves and create bitterness). Add 3-5 grams of leaves to this YBK Tech gaiwan, steep for just 15-20 seconds on the first infusion, and pour. You can get 3-4 infusions, adding a few seconds each time. The porcelain construction here is ideal for green tea since it doesn't retain heat as long as clay — and reviewers actually note the thin porcelain cools quickly, which is a genuine advantage for delicate green teas.

Traditional gaiwan etiquette involves holding the saucer in your palm, using one finger on the lid to create a slight gap for straining, and pouring in a smooth motion. When serving others, you'd typically pour into a fairness pitcher first, then into individual cups so everyone gets the same strength brew. This YBK Tech gaiwan's elegant blue lotus design and traditional sancai construction make the ritual feel authentic — multiple reviewers mention it makes their tea ceremony feel 'elegant and ritualistic.' When receiving tea poured from a gaiwan, it's customary to tap two fingers on the table as a gesture of thanks.