Jingdezhen Teaware

This teacup is baked with firewood and is made of both kiln-fired glaze variations and cracked glaze craft. Because kiln alteration techniques enable an exciting and dynamic way to create different blue colour glazes on this teacup, each teacup is unique and made by hand, with no two being exactly alike. The phenomenon of crystal formation is caused by kiln altered in a cup, commonly known as “crystal flowers”.

Besides that, the unique cracked glaze technique used creates beautiful patterns on the cup’s surface. Over time as it is soaked with tea soup, then resulting variations in the pattern make each piece truly outstanding and add more enjoyment to the tea drinking experience.

Attention:

• Kiln-fired glaze variations are often unpredictable and can result in a wide range of colours from a single firing.
• The porosity of ceramics varies depending on the materials used, the recipe, the pressure applied, the duration of pressure, the thickness of the body, the firing temperature, and the duration of firing. Generally, the finer the porcelain, the smaller the pores, while the coarser the pottery, the larger the pores.
• Since porcelain is made from clay, the amount of iron spots present in the clay varies depending on the mineral content of the soil. These iron spots are harmless and do not affect the use of the porcelain. Removing them would require the use of chemical materials, which can be damaging to high-quality porcelain.
• Handmade products are not perfect, and each piece can have differences in size, shape, colour, and other aspects.

The teacup is made from high-quality white mud, giving it a smooth and elegant texture. The surface is covered in a lovely white glaze, which creates a beautiful and glossy finish. The cup is adorned with overglaze colours in two different patterns.

One of the patterns depicts children setting off firecrackers, a symbol of celebration and joy in Chinese culture. The other pattern shows a child with good fortune, representing prosperity and good luck. Both patterns are intricate and detailed, featuring vibrant colours that contrast beautifully against the white background.

Due to being entirely hand-painted, each painting has slight differences.

This red teacup is baked with firewood and is made of both kiln-fired glaze variations and cracked glaze craft. Because kiln alteration techniques enable an exciting and dynamic way to create different red colour glazes on this teacup, each teacup is unique and made by hand, with no two being exactly alike. The phenomenon of crystal formation is caused by kiln altered in a cup, commonly known as “crystal flowers”.

Besides that, the unique cracked glaze technique used creates beautiful patterns on the cup’s surface. Over time as it is soaked with tea soup, and then resulting variations in the pattern make each piece truly outstanding and add more enjoyment to the tea drinking experience.

Attention:

• Kiln-fired glaze variations are often unpredictable and can result in a wide range of colours from a single firing.
• The porosity of ceramics varies depending on the materials used, the recipe, the pressure applied, the duration of pressure, the thickness of the body, the firing temperature, and the duration of firing. Generally, the finer the porcelain, the smaller the pores, while the coarser the pottery, the larger the pores.
• Since porcelain is made from clay, the amount of iron spots present in the clay varies depending on the mineral content of the soil. These iron spots are harmless and do not affect the use of the porcelain. Removing them would require the use of chemical materials, which can be damaging to high-quality porcelain.
• Handmade products are not perfect, and each piece can have differences in size, shape, colour, and other aspects.

The teacup is handmade using the wood-fired kiln altered glaze technique, and its glaze presents a unique yellow and light purple colour. The phenomenon of crystal formation is caused by kiln altered in a cup, commonly known as “crystal flowers”.

The varying shades of colour make each cup one-of-a-kind, adding a rugged and beautiful charm to your tea table. The mouth of the cup is designed with a flower shape, making the whole cup look even more entertaining.

Attention:

• Kiln-fired glaze variations are often unpredictable and can result in a wide range of colours from a single firing.
• The porosity of ceramics varies depending on the materials used, the recipe, the pressure applied, the duration of pressure, the thickness of the body, the firing temperature, and the duration of firing. Generally, the finer the porcelain, the smaller the pores, while the coarser the pottery, the larger the pores.
• Since porcelain is made from clay, the amount of iron spots present in the clay varies depending on the mineral content of the soil. These iron spots are harmless and do not affect the use of the porcelain. Removing them would require the use of chemical materials, which can be damaging to high-quality porcelain.
• Handmade products are not perfect, and each piece can have differences in size, shape, colour, and other aspects.

The style of this super beautiful teacup is Ming, using the underglaze blue technique, and entirely handcrafted and hand painted. The pattern features the classic design of intertwining lotus branches (Chanzhi Lian). What’s even more astonishing is the delicate craftsmanship of this teacup creates a thinness akin to cicada wings, a brilliance reminiscent of glass, and a weightless feel as floating clouds. When held up to the light, the intricately drawn interlocking lotus pattern inside the cup faintly emerges, elusive yet enchanting. It’s as if colorful clouds chase the moon, casting a misty glow, a sight so beautiful it’s beyond words, captivating, and mesmerizing.

The pattern of this beautiful teacup is Chanzhi Lian, which is also known as ‘intertwining lotus branches’ or ‘Interlock Branch Lotus’, which is a Chinese decorative motif with the symbolism of “flowers within flowers, blossoms within leaves.” It is also referred to as the “Wanshou Teng,” representing auspiciousness and longevity due to its continuous and interconnected structure, symbolizing the concept of “endless vitality.” In addition, in traditional Chinese Confucian culture, the lotus is seen as the embodiment of truth, goodness, and beauty, as well as a symbol of Buddhism. The pronunciation of “Lian” is similar to the word “continuous” in Chinese, further expressing the idea of continuous growth and conveying positive wishes and emotions.

As part of Chinese traditional ornamentation, Chanzhi Lian has been passed down through generations, reflecting its own beauty and cultural significance with a unique artistic charm. The lotus possesses a sacred and pure temperament, being beautiful without being ostentatious and magnificent without being vulgar. It is precisely because of this aesthetic appeal that Chanzhi Lian has become a decorative pattern applied to various aspects of life.

The Ruyi motifs on the outside of this teacup also carry auspicious meanings. The Ruyi symbolizes auspiciousness and good fortune. Its rounded and flawless form embodies blessings, satisfaction, and wishes fulfilled. Underneath its graceful appearance, it holds profound significance, representing the auspicious and delightful ideals of good fortune and contentment.

In addition, the beautiful tin spots on the porcelain add even more unique charm to it. The formation of tin spots is due to the high content of iron elements in local parts of the blue pigment. After reaching saturation in the high-temperature glaze solution and cooling down, the iron elements in the supersaturated part start to precipitate. If the iron content of the blue pigment is higher and the cooling rate is appropriate, tin spots are more likely to appear on the surface of the ware.

In addition to firing and materials, the formation of tin spots also involves the factor of glaze material. During the painting process, tin spots can also be formed due to the accumulation of blue pigment. Tin spots are more likely to appear on the surface of the ware at the intersections and the starting and ending points of brushstrokes. The formation of tin spots can be said to be a natural creation or an artificial decoration. These tin glazes not only add a rustic texture to the teacup but also imbue it with a unique sense of history.

The delicate brushstrokes and intricate detailing of the painting on this teacup create a distinct sense of aesthetic appeal. The stunning underglaze blue, along with the heavy tin glaze, gives it a bold and intense beauty. The thin-walled body also adds another layer of beauty to it. This teacup exudes a simple yet luxuriant charm, reminiscent of the style of imitation Ming, making it truly captivating and irresistible.

This charming teacup is using blue and white porcelain craftsmanship, made entirely by hand.

The beautiful picture on the body of the teacup is called ‘Wan Hua’, also known as “myriad flowers,” “flowers on top of flowers,” or “adding flowers to enhance beauty,” which is commonly depicted in the central area of the object. It often features large patterns of peonies, surrounded by various smaller floral patterns such as chrysanthemums, camellia, roses, lotuses, lilies, morning glories, and others. The intricate secondary patterns cover the entire surface, symbolizing the gathering of myriad flowers and representing prosperity and harmony.

The delicate brushstrokes vividly outline the different flowers, creating a glossy and elegant appearance. The colours are rich and vibrant, giving the piece a sense of vivid and liveliness.

Note: This tea cup is fully handmade, every teacup can be slightly different.

This heart shaped teacup is completely handmade, and hand painted. The special craft used in this teaware includes Blue and white underglaze colour and underglaze red.

The pattern featured is called “Bao Xiang” in Chinese, which is a traditional decorative motif representing one of the auspicious three treasures (Bao Xiang flower, Money tree, and Treasure basin), prevalent during the Sui and Tang dynasties in China. Bao Xiang pattern is also known as ‘Bao Xian Hua’ or ‘Bao Lian Hua’. Its lines are clear, and the colour is serene and antique. The Bao Xiang pattern design of this teaware is neat, and complex but not messy, and the whole picture of it is full and rich in details.

In Chinese culture, the Bao Xiang pattern symbolizes auspiciousness and happiness, representing people’s aspirations for happiness. It is widely popular in the decoration of silk brocade, bronze mirrors, and porcelain, showcasing people’s pursuit of a better life.

This heart shaped teacup features smooth and concise curves, combining the unique beauty of Bao Xiang pattern, creating a visually appealing and enjoyable tea-drinking experience. The blue and red underglaze colours complement each other and create a beautiful radiance.

This master cup is handcrafted using the technique of gold painting, Blue-and-white underglaze colour and enamel glazed and painted. The design features a pattern of butterflies amid flowers, displaying rich and lifelike colours, creating a unique and charming ambiance.

Gold painting, one of the decorative techniques, involves applying gold powder (gold dust) or bright gold (gold solution) on the porcelain surface to create intricate patterns or to complement other decorations as borders or a golden background. Afterward, the cup is fired at a low temperature to achieve the final finish. Both the rim of this teacup’s mouth and bottom base employ the gold painting technique.

Blue and White Enamel is a distinctive porcelain decoration technique that combines the traditional methods of blue and white with enamel. It is a variation of traditional Chinese porcelain production, blending the characteristics of blue and white with enamel, resulting in a captivating and unique decorative style.

Blue and White refers to the technique of painting blue patterns on a porcelain surface. It originated during the Yuan dynasty but reached its peak during the Ming and Qing dynasties. This decorative method uses cobalt oxide blue pigments that fuse with the porcelain surface at high temperatures, ensuring the patterns’ durability.

Enamel, on the other hand, is a decorative technique that involves transplanting the cloisonné enamel method onto a porcelain body as an overglaze colour decoration. Enamel decoration on porcelain, known as “Fàlángcǎi” in Chinese, entails painting colourful patterns on the porcelain surface and then firing it at high temperatures to fuse the colours with the porcelain, achieving a durable and splendid design. These patterns often feature exquisite themes such as flowers, birds, figures, and landscapes, reflecting the essence of traditional Chinese culture and art.

The process of creating enamel decorations is extremely intricate and complex, requiring skilled and experienced craftsmen. First, the porcelain prototype is made, and then special mineral pigments are used to paint patterns on its surface. Once the painting is completed, a series of firing processes follow, during which the temperature and timing for both the porcelain and the enamel colours are crucial factors. Improper temperature or timing can result in cracks in the porcelain or unstable colours. Enamel decoration is considered a treasure in traditional Chinese craftsmanship, representing the wisdom and skills of ancient Chinese artisans.

The combination of blue and white enamel unites these two techniques, typically starting with the blue and white technique to depict blue patterns, and then applying enamel decoration to add additional colours and enhance the visual effect and three-dimensional sense of the design. This decorative method enriches the patterns on the porcelain while preserving the distinctive features of both blue and white and enamel techniques. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, blue and white enamel reached its peak and became one of the main styles for porcelain decoration at that time.

The design on this master teacup showcases lifelike patterns of butterflies amid flowers. “Butterflies in Love with Flowers” symbolize sweet love and blissful marriage. In recent times, people have endowed this motif with more profound meanings, expressing good wishes and symbolizing beautiful and prosperous love. Butterflies are often seen as symbols of happiness and love, inspiring and captivating people’s imagination, and aspirations. In traditional Chinese literature, a pair of flying butterflies represents the pursuit of free and passionate love. Butterflies are loyal to their mates, having only one partner throughout their lives, making them a symbol of fidelity in the insect world. Moreover, there is a beautiful Chinese folktale known as “The Butterfly Lovers,” which further enhances the symbolism of sweet love and harmonious marriage associated with the motif of butterflies and flowers.

This enamel-decorated master cup displays a rich and colourful palette, with lively and dynamic brushstrokes, immersing people in an elegant artistic ambiance while enjoying their tea.