Tapered ceramic cup · Jian Zhan · Night blue

Ceramic teacup with a graceful flared form, carefully handmade by artisans in Jianyang using ancient Song dynasty techniques. Featuring the distinctive oil spot pattern with cascading streaks in blue and silver tones, this piece showcases the mesmerising glaze effects achieved through high-temperature firing. The natural heat retention and subtle mineral notes these vessels impart to tea make them perfect for tea ceremonies or as a treasured 'host cup' for tea enthusiasts. 

The Craft. Each teacup is wheel-thrown from local iron-rich clay and fired in traditional dragon kilns at temperatures exceeding 1300°C. The unique composition of Jianyang clay, combined with high-temperature firing, produces the mesmerising crystalline patterns that dance across the surface, from oil spots and hare's fur to the rare and prized partridge feather designs. The glazed patterns emerge spontaneously during the firing process, making no two pieces identical. This ancient technique requires precise control of temperature and atmosphere within the kiln, with artisans combining ancestral firing methods with contemporary precision to achieve the distinctive iridescent finish.

The Heritage. Jian Zhan ceramics originated in Jianyang during the Song Dynasty, reaching their pinnacle of artistry when they became the preferred tea bowls for the imperial court and Buddhist monks. These remarkable vessels were created specifically for the tea ceremony culture that flourished during this golden age of Chinese civilisation. After declining during the Yuan Dynasty, this ancient craft was lost for centuries until master potters painstakingly revived the techniques in the 1980s. Today, Jianyang remains the heart of authentic Jian Zhan production, where contemporary artisans honour traditional methods whilst pushing the boundaries of this mystical ceramic art.

The Maker. Artisans in Jianyang, Fujian Province have revived the millennium-old tradition of Jian Zhan ceramics, combining ancestral firing techniques with contemporary precision. Working with local iron-rich clay in traditional dragon kilns, they create vessels that enhance the tea drinking experience through natural heat retention and the subtle mineral notes they impart to the brew.