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 gaiwan features a repeating peacock feather motif encircling the lid and mirrored on the bowl. The peacock is sacred to the Dai people and is frequently featured on Theravada Buddhist temples throughout Xishuangbanna. This ~170 ml gaiwan is unglazed and will take on the character of tea steeped in it. For this reason, such vessels are often dedicated to a single type or category of tea, in order to avoid adulterating the flavor of the patina that develops with use.
