Hi James,

       They served the tea in a gaiwan only, no extra cup. I asked for
a cup, and he did bring me one (another gaiwan) only I got a bit of
an argument. I would guess the pot of water was simmering. One pot
for the use of everyone at the table, and no temperature adjustments.

       I can see where it would be fun to try drinking from a gaiwan
at home, where I could get up and grab a cup (or a tea towel)
whenever I need to. At a teahouse, I like the opportunity to try
different teas. Usually I'm there with friends who are not tea
enthusiasts.

       I'm familiar with the gaiwan grip and I can do it to pour the
tea. Just not comfortable to also drink AND watch out for over
brewing AND socializing. I suppose it's like using chopsticks, while
it's nice to be able to use them I never heard of someone getting an
argument if they ask for a fork!

       It looks like something else to practice at home, though. Until
I go there and try a Different tea and encounter a new teaware
challenge!  :-)

       -Carol


On Nov 3, 2009, at 8:29 AM, James Buchanan wrote:

>> Right, that's one issue I wondered about, overbrewing.
>
> Yup...basically, "be careful". ;-) Having a cup around to decant
> into if you get concerned isn't a bad idea, either.
>
>> The other is the heat. Since they serve with a pot of water on a
>> flame, it's pretty hot for subsequent brewing-and-drinking.
>
> Any idea how hot it is? I'd be more concerned about brewing green
> or oolong teas too hot than anything else. Pouring the water into
> another cup first could cool it down, probably not enough for a
> green, though. Pouring the water against the bottom of the lid and
> into the cup can cool the water down a little, too...that way, the
> lid's a heatsink.
>
> I tend to judge water by letting it trickle down my
> finger...somewhere between the tip and the first knuckle or so is
> the temp it'll actually be (a bit hard to describe). It's effective
> and not as abstract as a thermometer, but, as you can probably
> tell, I get burned a lot!
>
>> I have used a gawain with the lid for pouring, but again the heat
>> on the fingers is something to get used to / work around. A few
>> seconds on the fingers is one thing, but drinking out of something
>> that hot?
>
> Traditionally, Gaiwans come with a saucer for exactly that reason:
> <http://funalliance.com/tea/htm/gaiwan/870100274.htm>. You actually
> hold onto the saucer and the knob on top of the lid, and the saucer
> keeps your fingers from the hot cup. If the gaiwan in question
> doesn't have a saucer, the best I can tell you is to hold it high,
> around the top edge where tea hasn't gotten to...not very
> effective, but it's the best I've figured out.
>
> JB