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Jian ware (also known as Jian Zhan or Tian Mu Porcelain – 建窑建盏) is a type of Chinese Black Porcelain originating in Jianyang, Fujian province.
When drinking tea from a Jianzhan teacup, the brew stays pleasantly warm longer due to the high iron content of the glaze. Furthermore, the qualities of the iron-rich glaze soften the water, accentuating the natural sweetness of tea. When hot water comes into contact with the iron-rich glaze, the glaze releases a small amount of iron ions that can interact with compounds in the water, contributing to a subtly softer mouthfeel. When comparing the taste of water in a regular porcelain teacup, the difference is noticeable. The aroma of the tea also becomes more evident.
While suitable for all teas, it is usually particularly beneficial for deeper-oxidized Oolongs, Black tea, and Pu-erh, where it can bring out richer aromas.
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, marked like the hare's fur. Being of rather thick fabric, they retain the heat so that once warmed through, they cool very slowly, and they are additionally valued on this account. None of the cups produced elsewhere can rival these. Blue and white cups are not used by those who give tea-tasting parties."
The Jian Zhan Tea Cup is the pinnacle of Black Porcelain. It rose during the Song Dynasty. This pottery style was studied in depth by Japanese potters for use during Japanese tea ceremonies, known as Chanoyu. While in China this pottery style was lost, it continued to flourish in Japan, where it became a national treasure. The style is referred to as Tenmoku in Japan.
Lost for over 700 years, the craft returned to China in 1979, when Chinese potters fired their first "Hare's Fur" cup and revived the original Jian Zhan pottery using the unique iron-rich clay of Fujian.
Yang Jia Jiang, an Inheritor of Intangible Cultural Heritage, is a nationally recognized master potter from Jianyang. Yang graduated from Northeast University, Department of Fine Arts, where she learned the craft from the famous potter Sun Fukun. A mutual friend introduced us to Yang Laoshi, and we were deeply moved by her dedication and deep love for the art of Jian Zhan pottery-making.
The cups we selected for our shop are exceptionally thin, which is very hard to achieve due to a high breakage rate in the kiln, as the distinctive Jian Zhan effects can only be achieved with a high-iron glaze and high firing temperatures.
While you sip the tea, watch the colors of the glaze gently play and intermingle with the tea. As you drink tea from these cups, the glaze will get seasoned over time, producing even more vibrant colors.
Material: Jian Zhan Porcelain (Black Pottery / Tenmoku) – 建窑建盏
The Maker: Yang Jia Jiang (杨家将)
Shape's Type: "Bamboo Hat" (斗笠盏 – Dou Li Zhan)
Glaze Type: "Hare's Fur" (兔毫 – Tu Hao)
Capacity: 40ml
NOTE: This teacup is handmade. It makes each teacup truly unique and one of a kind.
NOTE: Avoid using detergents when cleaning.
