Gaiwan | |||||||||
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![]() Three gaiwan in front of a tea tray | |||||||||
Traditional Chinese | 蓋碗 | ||||||||
Simplified Chinese | 盖碗 | ||||||||
Literal meaning | lidded bowl[1] | ||||||||
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Alternative Chinese name | |||||||||
Traditional Chinese | 蓋杯 | ||||||||
Simplified Chinese | 盖杯 | ||||||||
Literal meaning | lidded cup | ||||||||
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Second alternative Chinese name | |||||||||
Chinese | 焗盅 | ||||||||
Literal meaning | hot-steeping vessel | ||||||||
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A gaiwan (simplified Chinese: 盖碗; traditional Chinese: 蓋碗; /ˈɡaɪwɑːn/) or zhong (盅)[2] is a Chinese lidded bowl without a handle, used for the infusion of tea leaves and the consumption of tea.[3] It was invented during the Ming dynasty.[3] It consists of a bowl, a lid, and a saucer.[1][3]