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Michael Plant

11/20/06

>
> Michael Plant wrote:
>
>> It might be known as the "jasmine cup," but I think I can say with fair
>> certainty that Lew's still awaits its first jasmine steep. I hope said cup
>> is not holding its glassy breath.
>> Michael
>
> It seems like the one that Hobbes got and the one that Lew got are a
> bit different in proportions -- the one Lew got has more space between
> the rim and where the lid rests, whereas the one Hobbes got has almost
> no space at all.
>
> It usually becomes pretty tempting to pour to where the lid is..... or
> close, anyway, and once you place the lid, the water oozes up a little,
> which means it will be right up to the rim in Hobbes' case.... and
> making the rim extremely hot.
>
> Try pouring less . It might work better and not burn your fingers.

I think that's a crucial point. For a comfortable pour, I
believe you would need the lid to fit somewhat within
the rim of the cup; otherwise, as you suggest, it's
burning finger time again, and a broken lid moment.
Gaiwan discussions around here lately have centered
on whether the proper grasp is at the rim with index
finger planted firmly over or in the lid knob, or alternately
with some number of fingers and/or thumb grasping the
base of the cup while the others control the rim and the
lid. I go for the former, as you can probably tell.

For what it's worth, Lew's everyday gaiwan is perhaps
five or six ounces capacity, while mine is no more than
two ounces. I find this small size efficacious on several
fronts. First, I can use less tea, drink less of each kind
and move through three types throughout the day without
guilt. I find the size easy to handle. I seem to remember
that Lew's glass gaiwan has nice thin walls, while most
I've seen are rather thick walled and, to me, clumsy.

But, in the end, I'm convinced that God's plan for us
does not include glass gaiwans. Porcelain gaiwans are
pure and worthy.

Michael