The Gaiwan vs. Yixing Debate: Why Some Are Swapping Teapots for Teacups
Pour yourself a cup for this one: The age-old battle between gaiwan and yixing teapots isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a clash of philosophy, practicality, and obsession with the perfect brew. For Puer enthusiasts, the yixing’s reputation as a heat-retaining powerhouse has long been gospel. But as prices climb and low-quality imitations flood the market, a growing number of tea lovers are trading their clay pots for the simplicity of a gaiwan. The question isn’t whether one is better—it’s whether the trade-offs justify the ritual. Yixing teapots are lauded for their ability to “bloom” Puer over time, with porous clay allegedly…










