Traditional Chinese tea bowl with lid - Gaiwan "Man Yu"

Traditional Chinese gaiwan (盖碗) tea bowl with lid and saucer. A gaiwan is used for the infusion of tea leaves. The gaiwan is suitable for any type of tea, although the it is mainly used for brewing tea with delicate flavors and aromas, such as green tea, white tea, oolong tea.

You can use the gaiwan to make the tea and pour it out to another cup or to drink it straight away from the gaiwan. For tea ceremonies, the tea is often prepared in a gaiwan and then poured out in small bowls. Traditionally, the gaiwan was used for immediate drinking, using the lid to hold back the leaves. 

What kind of teas are suitable to drink in a Gaiwan?
Using a Gaiwan is the recommended method for brewing green and white tea. That's because the gaiwan's porcelain absorbs the heat and does not damage the tea leaves. Gaiwans are less suitable for black tea, because the large lid allows the heat to escape too quickly during soaking. They are commonly used in northern China to enjoy scented teas such as jasmine tea.

How should you use a Gaiwan?
Usually all three parts are held with both hands at the same time. The saucer is held with the fingers of the right hand while the thumb rests on the rim of the bowl. The left hand then holds the lid, which is used to wipe away the tea leaves before drinking them. It may take some practice to do this as the contents are hot.