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DUE TO HIGH DEMAND, THESE TEACUPS ARE SOLD OUT.
Jian ware (also known as Jian Zhan or Tian Mu Porcelain) is Chinese black porcelain originating from Jianyang, Fujian province.
The Jian Zhan Tea Cup is the pinnacle of black porcelain, and it saw its rise during the Song Dynasty. The particular style of pottery was deeply studied amongst Japanese potters for use during Japanese tea ceremonies — chanoyu. The style came to be referred to as Tenmoku in Japan.
While this style slowly gave way to Yixing ware in China, it continued flourishing in Japan, where it became a national treasure.
Nowadays, there are but a few artists who are trying to revive the original Jian tea cup making in China.
One such pottery artist is Chan Hoi Kong (Brian). Kong was born in Hong Kong. Under the influence of his grandfather, he has been into a wide range of Chinese art and pottery from a young age. Kong stayed in the Wuyi Mountains for 9 months studying the special iron-rich clay exclusive to the area.
After acquiring techniques from many old craftsmen and hundreds of experiments later, Kong developed his three signature patterns using the un-altered traditional minerals and forming contemporary-looking Jian tea wares.
A Jianzhan teacup is known for its simple shape yet heaviness and sturdiness, which feels very pleasant in the hands. The style is characterized by the subtle effects in the glazes, which can only be achieved with a high-iron glaze and high firing temperatures, using special kilns. These patterns are characterized as follows: rabbit's hair, oil drop, and partridge feathers.
The clay used for Jian pottery is very high in iron and requires a very high temperature for firing. Kilns used for firing this style of teaware are not easy to make and thus are incredibly precious.
Building an appropriate kiln is only a part of the struggles that Jian Zhan potters face. Only with the right kiln can the glaze run so beautifully, creating the iconic patterns of this pottery style and thickening at the bottom of the tea cup's foot.
Wood-fired Klin
When drinking tea from Jianzhan teacup, the brew's temperature will stay pleasantly warm for a long time, yet without burning you. While you sip the tea, watch the colors of the glaze gently play and intermingle with the tea. The dark yet vibrant colors of the iron-rich glaze will unite, forming beautiful blues, gold, and other magical colors.
Furthermore, the qualities of the teacup soften the water, making it more alkaline, smooth, and flowing. When comparing the water side by side with a regular porcelain teacup, the difference doesn't go unnoticed. The precious aroma of the tea becomes more evident.
In the Song Dynasty's "The Record of Tea" it was said about Jian Zhan:
"Tea is of light color and looks best in black cups. The cups made at Jianyang are bluish-black in color, marked like the fur of a hare. Being of rather thick fabric, they retain the heat so that when once warmed through, they cool very slowly, and they are additionally valued on this account. None of the cups produced at other places can rival these. Blue and white cups are not used by those who give tea-tasting parties."
Material: Jian Zhan Porcelain (Tenmoku)
Capacity: 50ml
What's in the set: Two teacups with a wooden box
NOTE: This teacup is handmade. It makes each teacup truly unique and one of a kind.
NOTE: Avoid using detergents when cleaning.