This studio makes the finest unglazed gaiwans we've seen. Dai Xiang is located in the heart of Jinghong, capital of Xishuangbanna, Austin's sister city in China. They continue the ancient pottery tradition of the Dai people, one of China's 57 official ethnic groups and the majority population in Xishuangbanna. Their work incorporates traditional Dai motifs, techniques, and clay to make stunning unglazed wares.
This elegant piece features a bold stylized lotus petal motif on the bowl and lid. The lotus symbolizes transcendence in Buddhist imagery and is carved in relief. While the piece in this photo has a white kiln mark, most of these gaiwans are a dark monochrome. This 190-200 ml gaiwan is unglazed inside and out and will absorb the character of tea made in it; for that reason we recommend dedicating it to a particular type or category of tea.
1 Review
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Dai clay gaiwan
This was my first ever unglazed piece particularly on the outside. I can be quite sensitive to textures and was worried I would get nails on a chalkboard feelings from this style clay but I can confirm it doesn't even if you try. I have dedicated mine to raw pureh and I can personally recommend you do too. In my opinion the enegery from a young raw pureh is untouched. Although I can be put off by the extra astringency that is typically aged out. The porous material of this clay truly does take off the harsh edge of astringency and leaves only the unique traits that will grow with time and that good intact young raw energy. Although I still use a nonporus gaiwan on really good teas I want the most intact flavor comming through in.