A Gaiwan is a Chinese bowl used for steeping and drinking tea. It consists of a saucer,a bowl and a lid. While this vessel can be used for any tea, it is especially preferred for teas with delicate flavors and aromas (green tea, white tea) , Gongfu Tea, and teas that can be infused multiple time. Typical Chinese design, characters are associated with longevity ( wàn shòu wú jiāng - ten thousand years of boundless longevity ). This design can be seen in many Chinese dining rooms!