Midnight Solo Gaiwan 45ml

The Midnight Solo Urushi Gaiwan 45ml is designed for moments of quiet reflection. Finished in deep black natural Da Qi—the ancient Chinese botanical ancestor of all East Asian Urushi—with swirling accents of ruby red and gold mineral powder, this handcrafted vessel evokes the image of glowing embers lingering beneath a midnight sky. Calm, understated, and deeply atmospheric, it transforms even a brief tea break into a meaningful ritual.

Created for the solo tea drinker, its compact size and concentrated brewing capacity make it an ideal companion for focused Gongfu Cha, whether at home, in the office, or while traveling.

A Spark in the Dark

The Midnight colorway captures the beauty of fading firelight. Layers of lustrous black Urushi lacquer create a rich, velvety backdrop, while subtle rings of ruby and gold emerge like embers glowing softly in darkness. The result is a vessel that feels both grounded and contemplative, bringing warmth and stillness to the tea table without demanding attention.

A Meditation in Light & Shadow: As light moves across the surface, the hidden mineral accents suspended in the natural tree sap gradually reveal themselves, creating depth and visual complexity that reward close observation.

The Solo Brew Advantage

With a 45ml capacity measured under the lid, this compact gaiwan is designed for high-ratio Gongfu brewing. The smaller volume allows tea drinkers to concentrate flavor, maximize aroma, and explore premium teas through multiple precise infusions.

Its size makes it especially suitable for premium oolongs, red teas, aged puerh, dancong teas, and other specialty loose-leaf teas where subtle flavor transitions deserve careful attention. The higher leaf-to-water ratio achieved with a 45ml gaiwan produces a richer, more aromatic liquor while minimizing waste, making it a favorite format among experienced tea enthusiasts and tea evaluators.

The Craft: Traditional Zhangxiu Technique

Created by artisan Xiao Qian in Jingdezhen, this piece utilizes the traditional Zhangxiu (polishing to reveal) technique over a fine porcelain body. Multiple layers of natural Da Qi (Urushi) and mineral powder are carefully applied by hand. Because genuine Urushi does not "dry" but rather cures by absorbing moisture from the air, each layer must rest in a high-humidity environment for over 24 hours before the next stage begins.

The surface is then meticulously hand-polished to gradually reveal the hidden colors beneath, creating remarkable depth and a sense of movement that cannot be achieved through conventional painting or synthetic coatings.

One Object, One Nature: A Living Surface

Natural Da Qi is a living material that develops character over time. Through daily handling, the warmth of the tea, and the natural oils from your hands, the Urushi surface gradually oxidizes and cures further. The black will grow more lustrous, the ruby tones will deepen, and the gold will soften, becoming uniquely connected to its owner.

Designed for mindful tea rituals, the Midnight Solo Gaiwan encourages a slower pace and deeper attention. For tea lovers seeking a compact, artisan-crafted vessel that combines concentrated brewing performance with traditional lacquer artistry, it delivers clarity, depth, and quiet beauty infusion after infusion.

Specifications

• Product: Midnight Solo Urushi Gaiwan
• Capacity: 45ml (measured under lid)
• Material: Fine Jingdezhen porcelain with natural Da Qi (Urushi) lacquer and mineral powder finish
• Technique: Traditional Zhangxiu (polishing to reveal)
• Artisan: Xiao Qian
• Type: Solo Gongfu Gaiwan
• Use: High-ratio tea brewing, tea evaluation, travel tea sessions, and mindful tea rituals
• Suitable for: Red tea, oolong tea, puerh tea, dancong tea, and specialty loose-leaf teas
• Care: Hand wash recommended. Avoid abrasive cleaners, prolonged soaking, and extreme temperature changes.
• Uniqueness: Every piece is individually handcrafted using pure tree sap and traditional polishing techniques; no two are exactly identical. The living Urushi surface will gradually evolve and develop character through use.