Tea Cups

In Chinese culture, the dragon is a very important symbol and totem with rich symbolism. Firstly, the dragon is one of the most sacred, authoritative, and noble images in ancient Chinese culture. It is the incarnation of the gods of heaven, earth, and water, representing supreme authority and divine power. Secondly, the dragon is considered a symbol of good luck in Chinese culture. As it has the special power to control rainfall, it is also seen as the protector of agriculture, representing a bountiful harvest and prosperity. Additionally, the dragon has many other symbolic meanings, such as longevity, authority, success, courage, and wisdom. In traditional Chinese culture, the dragon is a noble, mysterious, and awe-inspiring image, representing people’s yearning for the unknown and the spirit of exploration.

This teacup is made in the style of the Yuan dynasty blue and white porcelain, completely handmade and hand painted. The blue and white dragon pattern is vivid, showcasing ancient cultural and aesthetic values, allowing people to immerse themselves in a beautiful artistic atmosphere while enjoying their tea.

For Yuan blue and white porcelain refers to the blue and white porcelain produced during the Yuan dynasty (1271-1368) in China. The Yuan dynasty was an important period in the history of Chinese porcelain and one of the peaks of Chinese porcelain art. As one of the representatives of that era, Yuan blue and white porcelain exhibited unique artistic styles and technical levels. The characteristic of Yuan blue and white is the use of cobalt blue pigment for painting, which is made of cobalt oxide. After firing, the colour is bright and rich, with extremely high decorative effect. Yuan blue and white porcelain has various shapes, thick and heavy, concise, and fluent lines, and stable and solemn shapes, all made exquisitely.

The evolution of Yuan blue and white is based on the foundation of Tang and Song celadon. Firstly, the glaze colour was improved and innovated. Unique white glaze, eggshell glaze and blue-white glaze were invented to make the glaze crystal clear. Cobalt pigment was imported for glaze colouring. Or using the pigment made from domestic materials.

The formation of tin spots on Yuan blue and white 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.

This teacup has a thick body and uses the Su Ma Li Qing glaze material (a kind of blue pigment), with a heavy sense of tin spots, revealing a unique charm of the past era. The entire production process is completed by hand, and every detail has been carefully designed and polished, giving this teacup a unique artistic charm. The blue and white dragon pattern is vivid, showcasing ancient cultural and aesthetic values, allowing people to immerse themselves in a beautiful artistic atmosphere while enjoying their tea.

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 teacup is made in the style of the Yuan dynasty blue and white porcelain, completely handmade and hand painted. The blue and white fish & seaweed pattern is vivid, showcasing ancient cultural and aesthetic values, allowing people to immerse themselves in a beautiful artistic atmosphere while enjoying their tea.

The special pattern of this teacup is fish and seaweed. Since ancient times, fish and seaweed motifs have been traditional decorative patterns in ceramics, representing auspiciousness and carrying rich cultural and aesthetic meanings. The homophonic association between fish and the Chinese word for “surplus” (yu) makes fish a symbol of abundance and wealth. Fish motifs are often used to convey the meaning of “abundance and surplus,” “prosperity year after year” (as the pronunciation of fish is similar to that of “surplus” in Chinese), and “auspicious celebrations and abundance.” The fish and seaweed motifs typically feature fish as the central element, with additional decorations such as water plants, forming a variety of decorative patterns. The depiction of four swimming fish in the artwork symbolizes the concept of “surplus in all four seasons,” representing a year-round surplus, which carries a highly positive connotation. Such motifs are not only favoured by the royal court but also beloved by people from all walks of life as auspicious decorations. The flexible composition, auspicious symbolism, and abundant variations of fish and seaweed motifs have made them timeless classics throughout different eras.

For Yuan blue and white porcelain refers to the blue and white porcelain produced during the Yuan dynasty (1271-1368) in China. The Yuan dynasty was an important period in the history of Chinese porcelain and one of the peaks of Chinese porcelain art. As one of the representatives of that era, Yuan blue and white porcelain exhibited unique artistic styles and technical levels. The characteristic of Yuan blue and white is the use of cobalt blue pigment for painting, which is made of cobalt oxide. After firing, the colour is bright and rich, with an extremely high decorative effect. Yuan blue and white porcelain has various shapes, thick and heavy, concise, and fluent lines, and stable and solemn shapes, all made exquisitely.

The evolution of Yuan blue and white is based on the foundation of the Tang and Song celadon. Firstly, the glaze colour was improved and innovated. Unique white glaze, eggshell glaze and blue-white glaze were invented to make the glaze crystal clear. Cobalt pigment was imported for glaze colouring. Or using pigment made from domestic materials.

The formation of tin spots on Yuan blue and white 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.

This teacup has a thick body and uses the Su Ma Li Qing glaze material (a kind of blue pigment), with a heavy sense of tin spots, revealing a unique charm of the past era. The entire production process is completed by hand, and every detail has been carefully designed and polished, giving this teacup a unique artistic charm. The blue and white fish & seaweed pattern is vivid, showcasing ancient cultural and aesthetic values, allowing people to immerse themselves in a beautiful artistic atmosphere while enjoying their tea.

This handmade celadon chicken heart cup features a beautiful green glaze that is created through the kiln-altered baking process. During this process, the temperature and atmosphere inside the kiln are carefully controlled to produce variations in colour and texture on the surface of the pottery.

The resulting green glaze on this cup is a stunning example of the unique and unpredictable effects that can be achieved through this ancient technique. The subtle variations in shade and texture give the cup a natural and organic feel, and the delicate chicken heart shape adds a touch of whimsy and charm.

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this cup is entirely handmade and one-of-a-kind. Its smooth, rounded shape feels comfortable in the hand, and the rich, green glaze adds depth and dimension to the surface.

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.

This arhat teacup is made in the style of the Yuan dynasty blue and white porcelain, completely handmade and hand painted. The pattern of “一鹭莲科” or “一路连科” in Chinese culture is derived from the beautiful combination of the heron and lotus leaves. As “鹭” (heron) and “路” (path/road) have the same pronunciation, and “莲” (lotus) sounds like “连” (successive/continuous), the name “一路连科” is a play on words that conveys the beautiful meaning of the pattern. In ancient times, successive successful candidates in the imperial examinations were called “连科,” and “一路连科” is a good wish for students to have a smooth career path and achieve success step by step.

This teacup has a thick body and uses the Su Ma Li Qing glaze material (a kind of blue pigment) which reveals a unique charm of the past era. The entire production process is completed by hand, and every detail has been carefully designed and polished, giving this teacup a unique artistic charm.

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.

The style of this super beautiful teacup is Ming, using the underglaze blue technique, and entirely handcrafted and hand painted.

This cup is adorned with blue and white patterns of wave and chrysanthemum petals on the outer wall. The interior of the cup is fully covered in blue and white patterns of Baoxiang flowers and Ruyi motifs, creating an overall design that is rich and detailed, with smooth and flowing lines. The blue and white colours are deep and elegant, with a white glaze featuring subtle flashes of blue. The glaze surface is glossy, and the texture is smooth. The cup has a lightweight and elegant shape, achieving a harmonious balance between practicality and aesthetics. At the bottom, there is a chicken-heart-shaped protrusion, hence the name ‘chicken-heart teacup’.

In ancient China, waves naturally referred to the vast ocean, which symbolized gods and immortals and was believed to bestow numerous mystical benefits upon people, such as blessings and longevity. On the other hand, chrysanthemum petal motifs conveyed people’s heartfelt wishes for a blessed, long, and peaceful life.

The Baoxiang flowers inside the cup symbolize good luck, harmony, happiness, and prosperity. The Ruyi motif’s auspiciousness, combining profound meaning with graceful form, represents the auspicious, favourable implications.

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. This tin glazes not only add a rustic texture to the teacup but also imbue it with a unique sense of history.

The body of this teacup is smooth and well-lubricated, while the underglaze blue patterns are vivid and lifelike. The faint tin specks add a touch of charm from a bygone era, evoking a sense of nostalgia and natural beauty, making it exquisitely graceful. Each stroke of the underglaze blue decoration is delicate and captivating, bringing the design to life. The intricate and refined patterns showcase the artist’s profound artistic skills.

This hat cup is handcrafted using the technique of gold painting, Lang Hong colouring and enamel glazed paint. The pattern on its painting is Dunhuang-style, with vibrant and luxurious colours, exuding a sense of luxury and elegance.

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. Afterwards, the cup is fired at a low temperature to achieve the final finish. The rim of this teacup’s mouth employs the gold painting technique.

The patterns on this cup depict Dunhuang-style designs, layered and intricate, displaying a rich array of colours. Among them, the lotus pattern is the most used decorative motif in Dunhuang art. From the Northern Liang to the Yuan Dynasty, lotus flowers can be found in every cave of the Mogao Grottoes. In Buddhism, the lotus symbolizes purity and enlightenment. It is believed that one’s soul can attain rebirth through the lotus, leading to the blissful Western Pure Land. Within the Mogao Grottoes, lotus flowers adorn the background, embellishing figures of bodhisattvas and celestial beings, embodying the sacred and immaculate nature of Buddhas and bodhisattvas. Hence, the lotus is the quintessential flower representing Buddhism. Apart from the lotus, another significant motif is the honeysuckle, also known as Jin Hua (golden-silver flower).  It is an important decorative symbol in Dunhuang art, introduced alongside Buddhist art in China as a decorative floral theme.  The rise of honeysuckle patterns in China occurred nearly simultaneously with the spread of Buddhism.  Its extensive use in Buddhist decorations during the Northern Dynasties influenced secular ornamentation at that time.  Honeysuckle blooms during summer, transitioning from white to yellow after budding, shedding old leaves in late autumn, and promptly producing new leaves.  It endures even in the harshest winter conditions, quietly thriving in the wild with minimal requirements of water and soil.  As a result, the honeysuckle pattern found abundant application in Buddhist-related decorations, drawing from its persistent growth characteristics. Furthermore, the motif of the “Baoxiang Flower,” also known as Baoxianhua or Baolianhua, is another traditional auspicious pattern in Dunhuang decorations.  It is one of the auspicious Three Treasures and was prevalent during China’s Sui and Tang Dynasties.  The concept of “Baoxiang” originates from Buddhism, where it refers to a respectful term for Buddhist images.  The Baoxiang Flower represents an idealized form of purity, grace, and beauty.

In addition to these captivating decorative patterns, the craftsmanship of Lang Hong ceramics is also deserving of praise. Firstly, the full name of Lang Hong is “Langyao Red,” also known as “Gem Red” or “Ox Blood Red.” It is one of the most vibrant colours in traditional Chinese precious copper red glazes. Lang Hong glaze is achieved by using copper as a colouring agent and firing it at a high temperature of 1300°C. Since copper elements easily evaporate at high temperatures, the range of colour expression is limited. The firing process demands strict control over the atmosphere and temperature, and the outcome is greatly affected by external factors, making it a highly challenging process to successfully produce Lang Hong ceramics. Lang Hong glaze boasts a smooth and translucent surface, resembling glass, with crackled patterns resembling cow hair texture.  The glaze exhibits a deep and vivid colour, resembling freshly congealed ox blood with its brilliant crimson hue, symbolizing auspiciousness, and wealth.  Revered as a “treasure among a thousand kilns,” the red-glazed porcelain of Lang Hong showcases a distinctive ethnic style, shining like a dazzling gem in the history of world ceramics.  The colour red, known for its auspiciousness and affluence, has elevated Lang Hong ceramics to a radiant and remarkable masterpiece in the realm of ceramic art.

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.

This hat cup showcases exquisite Lang Hong craftsmanship, with intricate and delicate Dunhuang patterns that carry profound symbolism.

This tiny teacup is a testament to traditional artistry and meticulous attention to detail. The porcelain body ensures a refined tea-drinking experience, allowing the true flavours and aromas of your tea to shine through.

The hand-painted Chinese orchid pattern brings a sense of natural beauty and tranquillity, while the silver trim adds a touch of sophistication. This teacup’s minimalist design makes it a perfect fit for both traditional and contemporary tea settings.

Features:

• Porcelain Body: Made from high-quality porcelain, this teacup is both sturdy and durable, providing a smooth and refined touch.
• Chinese Orchid Design: The teacup features a beautiful hand-painted Chinese orchid pattern in soft, natural hues, adding a touch of serenity and elegance to your tea-drinking experience.
• Silver Trim: The rim of the teacup is elegantly finished with a silver trim, enhancing its visual appeal and adding a sophisticated touch.
• Minimalist Elegance: The simple yet graceful design reflects a minimalist aesthetic, making this teacup a versatile addition to any tea set or decor.

It is ideal for everyday use or special occasions; this tiny teacup is perfect for enjoying your favorite teas. Its elegant appearance and high-quality craftsmanship make it a beautiful addition to any tea collection.

Whether you are enjoying a peaceful moment alone or hosting a tea gathering with friends, it will elevate your tea experience, combining the best of traditional craftsmanship and modern elegance.

This teacup, designed in the style of the Ming Dynasty, is crafted using the underglaze blue and white porcelain technique, and is entirely hand-painted. The intricate and exquisite artwork features peach blossoms, ducks, butterflies, and the spring river. Two adult ducks, accompanied by ducklings, swim freely in the warming spring waters, surrounded by blooming peach blossoms and playful butterflies. The scene is vivid and natural, evoking a serene beauty. The artwork captures the essence of early spring on the river, portraying how ducks are the first to sense the warming waters, expressing joy and reverence for the arrival of spring.

Design and Appearance

• Shape: The teacup has smooth lines and a comfortable grip, combining unique and beautiful design elements.
• Glaze Colour: The surface of the teacup has a warm and smooth glaze. The base color is white, with the hand-painted underglaze blue technique, creating a deep and layered blue color.

Craftsmanship and Techniques

• Hand-Painted Artwork: The designs on the teacup are meticulously hand-painted, making each piece unique and full of artistic value.
• Tin Spot Technique: The glaze surface uses the tin spot technique, creating a mottled visual effect that adds a sense of history and texture, enhancing the antique charm of the teacup.

Ming-style teaware always features a distinctive tin spot pattern, giving the tea ware a unique charm. 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 artwork on this teacup is delicate, with fine brushstrokes that outline a unique sense of line beauty. The underglaze blue pigment is rich, featuring distinctive and prominent tin spots that appear exceptionally beautiful and captivating under the light.

This famille rose yellow glaze aroma cup featuring the “Jade Rabbit Looking at the Moon” pattern is a beautiful piece that combines traditional Chinese artistry with exquisite craftsmanship.

Design and Appearance

• Shape Characteristics: Aroma cups are typically more slender than regular teacups. This design helps retain heat and release the tea’s aroma slowly, allowing the drinker to savor the subtle differences in the fragrance of various tea types over a longer period.
• Pattern: The aroma cup is adorned with the “Jade Rabbit Looking at the Moon” motif, depicting two white rabbits gazing up at a full moon surrounded by flowing green bamboo leaves, creating a serene and poetic scene.
• Color: The surface of the aroma cup is covered with a bright yellow glaze that is rich and vibrant in color. The use of famille rose technique brings the overglaze painting to life, making it vivid and full of charm.

Craftsmanship and Techniques

• Yellow Glaze: The use of yellow glaze is a special technique in Chinese porcelain art. It involves applying a yellow pigment over the ceramic body before firing it in the kiln. This process gives the teapot its striking and vibrant yellow color.
• Famille Rose: Famille rose, or “fencai” in Chinese, is a type of overglaze decoration. This technique uses a palette of soft and delicate colors that are painted over the glaze and then fired at a lower temperature. The famille rose technique is evident in the detailed depiction of the rabbits, the moon, and the bamboo leaves, which are finely painted with soft and harmonious colors.

Symbolism and Cultural Significance

The meaning of “The Jade Rabbit Looking at the Moon” primarily expresses deep longing for loved ones. This meaning originates from an ancient mythological story where the jade rabbit requests to reside in the Moon Palace to accompany Chang’e, thus creating the image of the jade rabbit looking at the moon. This story not only showcases the jade rabbit’s kindness and care for family but also reflects the ancients’ emphasis on family and kinship. In traditional Chinese culture, “The Jade Rabbit Looking at the Moon” is not only a symbol of the Mid-Autumn Festival but also an important cultural element for expressing longing and the desire for reunion.

The Jade Rabbit Looking at the Moon aroma teacup embodies the richness of traditional Chinese culture and poetic beauty. It is not only a practical tea ware but also a beautiful decorative piece that can be cherished and admired.