cheap gaiwans

Those are similar to what I find in Chinatown for a buck cheaper which are labeled on the box as chawan. These look like the cup mates with the saucer so the two don't slide around. I like #`1 because it looks like it has a nice thumb perch. You'll find some feel more comfortable in your hand than others. Besides ergonometrics the only other consideration might be pattern.

Jim

Falky foo wrote:

Sure. The one I'm using right now costs probably less than a dollar. It's just cheap glass afterall.

Asiachi's"pet" stores ("Wing Hop Fung") are in my area, and I've used these gaiwans and bought them for friends. They're nothing fancy, but certainly good quality. And their tea is good quality too, though I haven't ordered it from the website. It flies in and out the door at the store (they get hundreds and hundreds of customers), ensuring it's fresh. They're my favorite spot to buy tea leaves!

I'm not sure about their pu-erh teas, though. I've mentioned previously that they seem to be lying about them :) If you're in the Los Angeles or Monterey Park areas, give them a look in person.

~jason

Falky foo1rymf.26921$ snipped-for-privacy@newssvr13.news.prodigy.com12/10/05

Almost too good, indeed; although the gaiwans look pleasing enough.

Let me suggest Jing Tea Shop for gaiwans. They have several that are well designed, rather playful in their drawings, and some of unusually small sizes. I haven't seen these particular ones elsewhere, and they are my personal favorites. (I speak primarily of the ones with the light hearted cobalt blue drawings.)

Michael