This is a truly noteworth piece by National Master Potter Tang Xianwu.

In imperial times, the vivid blue of Jingdezhen Porcelain glazing came from high manganese, low iron cobalt mined in Sumatra and presented as tribute to the court as a precious vivid blue that defined porcelain culture for hundreds of years. When the imperial family was overthrown and replaced by Republic of China, a member of the former imperial family changed his surname and founded a pottery workshop in Shanghai, inviting Yixing artists and a German porcelain artist to collaborate.

During a period of experimentation, the vivid blue glazing material for porcelain was mixed with Benshan Qing Duan Yixing clay, and produced an incredible deep green clay that they called Republic Green.

Sadly, the exact formula and mineral balance was lost to time after the Communist Revolution. After years of meticulous research and incredible sourcing connections, Tang Xianwu has pursued her own version of the lost formula, mixing original deposit Benshan clay with vivid natural "tribute" cobalt ore from Sumatra. She calls this new blend "Sumatra Green" instead of Republic Green, preserving this beautiful discovery for future generations before it is lost to time.

Original deposit Ben Shan clay is already rare enough as it is, but to be used as a “revival” blend with what is essentially the base ingredient of Jingdezhen Porcelain’s stunning blue glazing makes this even more special. It is fitting that Tang Xianwu chose her most iconic, award-winning and beloved faceted style to showcase Sumatra Green.

The hand smoothing and mathematical precision required to transition between teapot body facets so flawlessly hint at the incredible artist behind this perfect form. The pot is a tactile pleasure to hold, with a lid that fits so smoothly and a strong fast pour.

The pictures speak for themselves, showing off the elegantly mirrored facets in the lid handle, and the bold perfectly integrated handle and spout that frame off the piece.