CD004 - Dai teacup 145 ml

Product detailed description

Overview
High-quality handmade Dai cup with carved colourful pattern of a peacock, symbol of Xishuangbanna (西双版纳). The teacup is made from Dai clay (傣陶), which originates from the Xishuangbanna Autonomous Prefecture (西双版纳) in southwest China. This unglazed tea ware not only enhances the taste experience of drinking tea but also helps to preserve the pottery craft for future generations. The teacup has about 145 ml volume (± 10%). Each piece is unique.

History and production
In 2006, Dai pottery was added to the list of Chinese intangible cultural heritage. The history of this pottery, crafted on a slow potter's wheel, dates back to the period of the Dai Kingdom (1180-1993*), where Dai clays were used to produce various vessels. This Dai gaiwan was produced in small pottery workshop by Yuhan's family, Shanshan's neighbour, who has been making tea pottery for almost three decades. They specialize in handcrafting teaware from nearby Jinghong City (景洪), but also Dai costumes and fabrics, which you can also check out in our Tea chamber.

Before use
For better taste, we suggest preparing one type or a similar type of tea in your gaiwan (e.g., non-fermented teas such as shengcha 生茶 and Yunnan white tea 白茶 or fermented/oxidized teas such as shucha 熟茶, Yunnan red tea 红茶, or oolong tea 乌龙). We also suggest to boil the gaiwan in hot water for about 20-30 minutes with your preffered tea. This will help to get rid of residual dust and dirt and better adapt the gaiwan to your favourite type of tea. The enhancement of tea taste should be experienced after 4-5 tea sessions, so be patient. Teaware contains nature-based colours from the outer side, which are non-toxic and appropriate for tea preparation.