This Hu Cheng (壶承 – Teapot Rest) is handmade by Cai Wenjuan (蔡文娟) from Jianshui Zitao (建水紫陶) – the unglazed purple pottery of southern Yunnan. In Gong Fu Cha, a Teapot Rest catches small amounts of rinse water and tea that overflow or drip during brewing.
The form is shallow and wide, with a slightly raised rim. It is large enough to hold a Gong Fu teapot, while keeping the tea table aesthetically beautiful and clean. The inside is decorated with a carved, scrolling cloud motif, placed off-center to create dynamics.
The red-brown and dark black tones come from reduction firing, not surface coloring. During firing, oxygen is reduced in the kiln, altering how the iron in the clay develops at high temperatures. The contrast here is especially nice: the warm clay body feels peaceful and grounded, and the darker base and cloud details give the piece depth.
This traditional Jianshui piece is unglazed. The surface is smooth, semi-matte, and pleasant to handle. Over time, with use, the clay will take on a slightly deeper sheen.
• Material: Jianshui Zitao (建水紫陶)
• Potter: handmade by Cai Wenjuan (蔡文娟)
• Dimensions: Diameter: 6.75in/17cm, Depth: 1.4in/3.5cm
Additional teaware in the photos is not included.
