100ml Classic Jingdezhen Porcelain Gaiwan with Brown Rim, 甜白小福圆盖碗

I have one of these gaiwans from when Mud & Leaves released some back in 2018/2019. I got this due to a crack in my old one that really bummed me out, and expected a direct replacement, but wound up with something that took the original design and improved on it in every way. I’m really pleased about this, since it’s more money than it was back then. Compared to the 2018/2019 one, this one has a more solid feel & distribution of weight, a thinner walled knob, heavier saucer, better foot fit in the saucer, a thinner and more consistent brown band around the rim, and a much better lid fit. Shape-wise the bowl is a bit taller but sits in to the saucer a bit deeper, and the saucer doesn’t have as much an upwards curve as the old design. While the aesthetic differences are subtle, the changes add up and make this piece stand out as something special, it looks & feels like the perfect gaiwan and makes any experience with it special.

Fairly thin walls make it easy to control brewing temperature while giving this a premium - but not fragile - feel. The foot sits securely in the saucer, so it's easy to pick the saucer, cup, and lid up together when pouring out. If you prefer the hold the cup by the rim you may prefer a bit more flare to avoid the heat, but a careful user will not have a problem here. Lid fits very well and thins to a fine edge, making it simple to hold back all but the tiniest bits of tea. The brown rim adds just enough visual interest; it matches the color of many brewed red teas. Perhaps it's pricey for a simple white gaiwan, but if you've been searching for just the right simple white gaiwan this might just fit the bill. I'm glad I got mine.