This fully hand-made Jingdezhen porcelain tea set includes one gaiwan and 4 cups.

The classic Ruyi pattern is painted in deep rich blue in an abstract and almost Art Deco style, striking against the brilliant white of the porcelain. The Ruyi symbol comes from Buddhist and imperial iconography, and evokes good fortune and power that comes not from imposing will, but from will aligning with the natural way - a significant statement in the context of tea culture. 

The non-reactive porcelain is fine and lustrous, thin and translucent in the light. 

To complete the the form and meticulous painting of each piece in a set like this, it requires the work of many different specialized craftspeople over about two weeks.