Jianzhan “Tortoise Shell” Hand-Made Stoneware Gaiwan and Cups

Description

Our Jianzhan wares crafted by lifetime Jianzhan pottery veteran Wu Hong Hua. Jianzhan wares are from Jianyang town in Fujian Province.  They became popular during the Song Dynasty and were prized throughout China, Korea and Japan.  By the Ming Dynasty Jianzhan wares fell out of favor, but luckily the tradition was continued in Japan for centuries and was eventually re-introduced in it’s original birthplace (Jianyang Fujian) in the 1990’s. Jianzhan glazes are all basically the same, but due to different firing temperatures and positioning within the kiln the fired glazes are totally unique from eachother and are typically separated into five distinct styles.  

彩金 – rainbow, 兔毫 – rabbit fur, 油滴 – oil spot, 鳖甲盏 – tortoise shell, 雪鹧鸪盏 – partridge feathers

Gaiwan and cups are glazed and fired (at 1300C) in the Oil Spot 油滴 Style.  They are dense and heavy in the hand, hold and retain heat wonderfully, and generally elevate the tea brewing experience!

Here’s a great video (in Chinese) that discusses the history and process of creating Jianzhan wares.

Gaiwan Volume 170ml (+/- 10ml)

Cup Volume 60ml (+/- 5ml)

PLEASE NOTE!:

1. Due to the very high heat of firing, the knob on the lid of the gaiwan might not be entirely symmetrical!  
2. Each piece is unique, and as such there will be variations in the pattern and colors.  If you want every piece to look the same or look exactly like the pictures here please do not purchase these items!