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Bai Hua "Hundred Flowers" Jian Zhan CupAward-winning potter Lin Xi is a master of controlling oxygen and temperature in the kiln and understanding how season and humidity affect firing outcomes. This beautiful and uncommon iridescent firing from Lin Xi is part of a series exploring the blooming bai hua (hundred flowers) pattern - a particular you di glaze that can be brought out with the right conditions in Lin Xi’s hand excavated and blended glaze. The shimmering and cascading oil spot glaze evokes the qualities of the Song Dynasty pieces that inspired Japanese Tennmokku and make a beautiful contrast to tea. This cup is impressed with Master Lin Xi’s seal on the foot and comes in a gift box with Lin Xi’s signed collectors certificate.
Regular Price $85.00 Special Price $76.50 - Turquoise Qilin Jian Zhan Cup
This iridescent blue cup is the result of years of research and experimentation by award-winning master potter Lin Xi. The iridescent silver-blue forms under the high heat of Lin Xi’s kiln firing a glaze that Lin Xi personally sourced and blended from an original Shui Ji mineral deposit used in the Song Dynasty. The iridescent effect reflects the formation of a rare kind of iron oxide under the heat of the kiln, not an effect that is painted on. This unique cup was fully hand-thrown and fired in tiny batches dependent on the whims of weather and kiln heat patterns to achieve the desired effect. This larger format cup is a true collectors piece, with Lin Xi’s one-man studio only able to produce very few cups that meet his exacting standards of perfection.
Regular Price $85.00 Special Price $76.50 - Rose Gold Liu Jin Sui Yue Cup
This iridescent rose gold cup is the result of years of research and experimentation by award-winning master potter Lin Xi. The iridescent rose-gold forms under the high heat of Lin Xi’s kiln firing a glaze that Lin Xi personally sourced and blended from an original Shui Ji mineral deposit used in the Song Dynasty. The iridescent effect reflects the formation of a rare kind of iron oxide under the heat of the kiln, not an effect that is painted on. This unique cup was fully hand-thrown and fired in tiny batches dependent on the whims of weather and kiln heat patterns to achieve the desired effect. This larger format cup is a true collectors piece, with Lin Xi’s one-man studio only able to produce very few cups that meet his exacting standards of perfection.
Regular Price $85.00 Special Price $76.50 - Lunar Eclipse Collectors' Cup
This stunning silvery cup is the result of years of research and experimentation by award-winning master potter Lin Xi. The rippling cascading patterns form under the high heat of Lin Xi’s kiln firing a glaze that Lin Xi personally sourced and blended from an original Shui Ji mineral deposit used in the Song Dynasty. The deep and mesmerizing patterns reflect the formation of iron oxides under the heat of the kiln, not an effect that is painted on. A variation of Lin Xi’s silver moon style, these cups have a dark pooling and heat effect to create the impression of a lunar eclipse. Each cup and patterning is unique. Each was fully hand-thrown and fired in tiny batches dependent on the whims of weather and kiln heat patterns to achieve the desired effect. This larger format cup is a true collectors piece, with Lin Xi’s one-man studio only able to produce very few cups that meet his exacting standards of perfection.
Regular Price $85.00 Special Price $76.50 - Magnolia Blossom Oil Spot Cup: Autumn 2020
These unique cups were hand-crafted by award-winning master potter Lin Xi at his studio in Wuyishan. Lin Xi personally sources and blends true Shui Ji clay and glazing materials to exactly match original Song Dynasty pieces excavated at kilns nearby, and fires just a few cups at a time. Each cup that turns out represents hours of labor from Master Lin Xi and dozens of pieces that didn’t fire to his exacting standards. These collectors' pieces feature a beautiful oil-spot pattern, and the elegant curves of the cup are meant to reflect the shape of a Magnolia blossom. Each cup and patterning is unique. Each was fully hand-thrown and fired in tiny batches in the autumn 2020 season. This larger format cup is a true collectors piece, with Lin Xi’s one-man studio only able to produce very few cups that meet his exacting standards of perfection.
Regular Price $138.00 Special Price $124.20 - Shui Ji Jian Zhan Hare's Fur GaiwanYi Fang Long Yao keeps several electric kilns to continue their research into firing temperatures and techniques as they work to revive Song Dynasty wood-firing techniques. This elegant gaiwan is a beautifully-executed classic hare’s fur glaze, an ancient style that people are only now able to recreate consistently. This gaiwan is made from the same clay and glazing materials native to Shui Ji that would have been used by Song Dynasty potters, but since it was fired in an electric kiln, the workshop is able to get more control and more consistent results. Jian Zhan absorbs tea oils over time and tends to smooth out teas, bringing out their sweetness while evening out texture.
- Shui Ji Jian Zhan Hu Ban GaiwanYi Fang Long Yao keeps several electric kilns to continue their research into firing temperatures and techniques as they work to revive Song Dynasty wood-firing techniques. This elegant gaiwan is a beautifully-executed classic hu ban finish. This gaiwan is made from the same clay and glazing materials native to Shui Ji that would have been used by Song Dynasty potters, but since it was fired in an electric kiln, the workshop is able to get more control and more consistent results. Jian Zhan absorbs tea oils over time and tends to smooth out teas, bringing out their sweetness while evening out texture.
- Traditional Hares Fur CupHares fur, or tu hao is one of the oldest and most traditional Song Dynasty forms. Award-winning master-potter Lin Xi has done years of research on ancient techniques and in his unique one-man studio, is working to revive the nearly lost art of Hares fur glazing, sourcing and blending his clay and glazing material from the original mineral deposits tapped in the Song Dynasty. This unique cup was fully hand-thrown, with glazes hand blended and dipped, and fired in tiny batches dependent on the whims of weather and kiln heat patterns to achieve the desired effect.Regular Price $85.00 Special Price $76.50
- Small Silver Moon CupThis stunning silver cup is the result of years of research and experimentation by award-winning master potter Lin Xi. The rippling cascading silver forms under the high heat of Lin Xi’s kiln firing a glaze that Lin Xi personally sourced and blended from an original Shui Ji mineral deposit used in the Song Dynasty. The silver effect reflects the formation of a rare kind of iron oxide under the heat of the kiln, not an effect that is painted on. This cup starts a pale moonlight silver, and over time with use it takes on a deep warm reddish silver finish. This unique cup was fully hand-thrown and fired in tiny batches dependent on the whims of weather and kiln heat patterns to achieve the desired effect.Regular Price $28.00 Special Price $25.20
- Collectors' Silver Moon CupThis stunning silver cup is the result of years of research and experimentation by award-winning master potter Lin Xi. The rippling cascading silver forms under the high heat of Lin Xi’s kiln firing a glaze that Lin Xi personally sourced and blended from an original Shui Ji mineral deposit used in the Song Dynasty. The silver effect reflects the formation of a rare kind of iron oxide under the heat of the kiln, not an effect that is painted on. This cup starts a pale moonlight silver, and over time with use it takes on a deep warm reddish silver finish. This unique cup was fully hand-thrown and fired in tiny batches dependent on the whims of weather and kiln heat patterns to achieve the desired effect. This larger format cup is a true collectors piece, with Lin Xi’s one-man studio only able to produce very few cups that meet his exacting standards of perfection.
- Oil Spot CupOil Spot, or you di is one of the oldest and most traditional Song Dynasty forms. Award-winning master-potter Lin Xi has done years of research on ancient techniques and in his unique one-man studio, is working to revive the ancient art of you di glazing, sourcing and blending his clay and glazing material from the original mineral deposits tapped in the Song Dynasty. This unique cup was fully hand-thrown, with glazes hand blended and dipped, and fired in tiny batches dependent on the whims of weather and kiln heat patterns to achieve the desired effect.Regular Price $28.00 Special Price $25.20
- Oil Spot Freeform PitcherOil Spot, or you di is one of the oldest and most traditional Song Dynasty forms. Award-winning master-potter Lin Xi has done years of research on ancient techniques and in his unique one-man studio, is working to revive the ancient art of you di glazing, sourcing and blending his clay and glazing material from the original mineral deposits tapped in the Song Dynasty. This unique pitcher was fully hand-thrown, with glazes hand blended and dipped, and fired in tiny batches dependent on the whims of weather and kiln heat patterns to achieve the desired effect. Each of Lin Xi’s pitchers is unique, relying on his technique of throwing a wide cup and ‘flicking’ the spout shape at the last moment to achieve the most fluid look. This technique requires the perfect weight and thickness of cup and even just the right humidity and weather to get right, so Lin Xi makes very few pitchers each year.Regular Price $125.00 Special Price $101.25
- Oil Spot GaiwanOil Spot, or you di is one of the oldest and most traditional Song Dynasty forms. Award-winning master-potter Lin Xi has done years of research on ancient techniques and in his unique one-man studio, is working to revive the ancient art of you di glazing, sourcing and blending his clay and glazing material from the original mineral deposits tapped in the Song Dynasty. This unique gaiwan was fully hand-thrown, with glazes hand blended and dipped, and fired in tiny batches dependent on the whims of weather and kiln heat patterns to achieve the desired effect.Regular Price $150.00 Special Price $121.50
- Small Autumn Moon Cup
This beautiful silver-orange cup is the result of years of research and experimentation by award-winning master potter Lin Xi. The rippling cascading shapes formsunder the high heat of Lin Xi’s kiln firing a glaze that Lin Xi personally sourced and blended from an original Shui Ji mineral deposit used in the Song Dynasty. This unique cup was fully hand-thrown and fired in tiny batches dependent on the whims of weather and kiln heat patterns to achieve the desired effect.
Regular Price $28.00 Special Price $25.20 - Autumn Moon Collectors' CupThis stunning silvery cup is the result of years of research and experimentation by award-winning master potter Lin Xi. The rippling cascading patterns form under the high heat of Lin Xi’s kiln firing a glaze that Lin Xi personally sourced and blended from an original Shui Ji mineral deposit used in the Song Dynasty. The deep and mesmerizing patterns reflect the formation of iron oxides under the heat of the kiln, not an effect that is painted on. A variation of Lin Xi’s silver moon style, these rare cups have a pooling and heat effect to create the impression of a lunar eclipse with light shining around it. Each cup and patterning is unique. Each was fully hand-thrown and fired in tiny batches dependent on the whims of weather and kiln heat patterns to achieve the desired effect. This larger format cup is a true collectors piece, with Lin Xi’s one-man studio only able to produce very few cups that meet his exacting standards of perfection.
- ONE OF A KIND "Purple Dawn" Zi Qi Dong Lai Shui Ji Jian Zhan Cup 04
Zi Qi Dong Lai literally translates to a ‘purple vapor rising from the horizon,’ and signifies an auspicious moment. The purple along the edges of the cup almost radiates down against quiet gold and green, just like the early light of dawn hitting the horizon. This hand-made cup was fired in a traditional Dragon Kiln (Lao Long Yao) in Shui Ji, the home of the Song Dynasty Jian Zhan tradition. Only one out of every ten cai shao wood fired Dragon Kiln cups typically survives the firing process and each piece is a unique fortuitous chance occurrence. The heat, geometry and placement in the kiln and the specific wood used in firing yielded this spectacular pattern. This cup is impressed with Master Lin Xi’s seal on the foot and comes in a gift box with Lin Xi’s signed collectors certificate.
- ONE OF A KIND "Purple Dawn" Zi Qi Dong Lai Shui Ji Jian Zhan Cup 05
Zi Qi Dong Lai literally translates to a ‘purple vapor rising from the horizon,’ and signifies an auspicious moment. The purple along the edges of the cup almost radiates down against quiet gold and green, just like the early light of dawn hitting the horizon. This hand-made cup was fired in a traditional Dragon Kiln (Lao Long Yao) in Shui Ji, the home of the Song Dynasty Jian Zhan tradition. Only one out of every ten cai shao wood fired Dragon Kiln cups typically survives the firing process and each piece is a unique fortuitous chance occurrence. The heat, geometry and placement in the kiln and the specific wood used in firing yielded this spectacular pattern. This cup is impressed with Master Lin Xi’s seal on the foot and comes in a gift box with Lin Xi’s signed collectors certificate.
- ONE OF A KIND "Purple Dawn" Zi Qi Dong Lai Shui Ji Jian Zhan Cup 06
Zi Qi Dong Lai literally translates to a ‘purple vapor rising from the horizon,’ and signifies an auspicious moment. The purple along the edges of the cup almost radiates down against quiet gold and green, just like the early light of dawn hitting the horizon. This hand-made cup was fired in a traditional Dragon Kiln (Lao Long Yao) in Shui Ji, the home of the Song Dynasty Jian Zhan tradition. Only one out of every ten cai shao wood fired Dragon Kiln cups typically survives the firing process and each piece is a unique fortuitous chance occurrence. The heat, geometry and placement in the kiln and the specific wood used in firing yielded this spectacular pattern. This cup is impressed with Master Lin Xi’s seal on the foot and comes in a gift box with Lin Xi’s signed collectors certificate.
- ONE OF A KIND "Purple Dawn" Zi Qi Dong Lai Shui Ji Jian Zhan Cup 07
Zi Qi Dong Lai literally translates to a ‘purple vapor rising from the horizon,’ and signifies an auspicious moment. The purple along the edges of the cup almost radiates down against quiet gold and green, just like the early light of dawn hitting the horizon. This hand-made cup was fired in a traditional Dragon Kiln (Lao Long Yao) in Shui Ji, the home of the Song Dynasty Jian Zhan tradition. Only one out of every ten cai shao wood fired Dragon Kiln cups typically survives the firing process and each piece is a unique fortuitous chance occurrence. The heat, geometry and placement in the kiln and the specific wood used in firing yielded this spectacular pattern. This cup is impressed with Master Lin Xi’s seal on the foot and comes in a gift box with Lin Xi’s signed collectors certificate.
- ONE OF A KIND "Purple Dawn" Zi Qi Dong Lai Shui Ji Jian Zhan Cup 08
Zi Qi Dong Lai literally translates to a ‘purple vapor rising from the horizon,’ and signifies an auspicious moment. The purple along the edges of the cup almost radiates down against quiet gold and green, just like the early light of dawn hitting the horizon. This hand-made cup was fired in a traditional Dragon Kiln (Lao Long Yao) in Shui Ji, the home of the Song Dynasty Jian Zhan tradition. Only one out of every ten cai shao wood fired Dragon Kiln cups typically survives the firing process and each piece is a unique fortuitous chance occurrence. The heat, geometry and placement in the kiln and the specific wood used in firing yielded this spectacular pattern. This cup is impressed with Master Lin Xi’s seal on the foot and comes in a gift box with Lin Xi’s signed collectors certificate.
- ONE OF A KIND Dragon Kiln Tasting Cup Series #7 Jian Zhan Cup
This completely one-of-a-kind piece is part of Lin Xi’s new Dragon Kiln series inspired by old-school traditional aroma cups, hand-thrown in a taller shape to focus and accentuate aromatics while sipping tea. The taller shape presents unique challenges in the unpredictable lao long yao wood-fired kiln, but allows for stunning and unique patterns to emerge.
Only one out of every ten "cai shao" wood fired Dragon Kiln cups typically survives the firing process and each piece is a unique fortuitous chance occurrence. The heat, geometry and placement in the kiln and the specific wood used in firing yielded this spectacular pattern. This cup is impressed with Master Lin Xi’s seal on the foot and comes in a gift box with Lin Xi’s signed collectors certificate.
- ONE OF A KIND Dragon Kiln Tasting Cup Series #8 Jian Zhan Cup
This completely one-of-a-kind piece is part of Lin Xi’s new Dragon Kiln series inspired by old-school traditional aroma cups, hand-thrown in a taller shape to focus and accentuate aromatics while sipping tea. The taller shape presents unique challenges in the unpredictable lao long yao wood-fired kiln, but allows for stunning and unique patterns to emerge.
Only one out of every ten "cai shao" wood fired Dragon Kiln cups typically survives the firing process and each piece is a unique fortuitous chance occurrence. The heat, geometry and placement in the kiln and the specific wood used in firing yielded this spectacular pattern. This cup is impressed with Master Lin Xi’s seal on the foot and comes in a gift box with Lin Xi’s signed collectors certificate.
- ONE OF A KIND Indigo Qilin Yao Bian Series #2 Jian Zhan Cup
Award-winning potter Lin Xi is a master of controlling oxygen and temperature in the kiln and understanding how season and humidity affect firing outcomes. This rare one-of-a-kind deep blue firing from Lin Xi is part of a series exploring blue yao bian- the shimmering effect that can be brought out with the right conditions in Lin Xi’s hand excavated and blended glaze.
The deep blue evokes the qualities of the Song Dynasty pieces that inspired Japanese Tennmokku, as well as the Jun glaze tradition, and make a beautiful contrast to tea. This cup is impressed with Master Lin Xi’s seal on the foot and comes in a gift box with Lin Xi’s signed collectors certificate.
- ONE OF A KIND Indigo Qilin Yao Bian Series #3 Jian Zhan Cup
Award-winning potter Lin Xi is a master of controlling oxygen and temperature in the kiln and understanding how season and humidity affect firing outcomes. This rare one-of-a-kind deep blue firing from Lin Xi is part of a series exploring blue yao bian- the shimmering effect that can be brought out with the right conditions in Lin Xi’s hand excavated and blended glaze.
The deep blue evokes the qualities of the Song Dynasty pieces that inspired Japanese Tennmokku, as well as the Jun glaze tradition, and make a beautiful contrast to tea. This cup is impressed with Master Lin Xi’s seal on the foot and comes in a gift box with Lin Xi’s signed collectors certificate.
- ONE OF A KIND Polished Agate Shui Ji Jian Zhan Cup
Deep blue and gold evoke an agate polished smooth over many years. Note the deep speckling and the incredible gradient between blue and green. This hand-made cup was fired in a traditional Dragon Kiln (Lao Long Yao) in Shui Ji, the home of the Song Dynasty Jian Zhan tradition. Only one out of every ten "cai shao" wood fired Dragon Kiln cups typically survives the firing process and each piece is a unique fortuitous chance occurrence. The heat, geometry and placement in the kiln and the specific wood used in firing yielded this spectacular pattern. This cup is impressed with Master Lin Xi’s seal on the foot and comes in a gift box with Lin Xi’s signed collectors certificate.
Meet the Artist: Lin Xi
Master potter Lin Xi set up the Taishou Jianlou Research Institute to study Han and Song Dynasty tea culture and firing techniques. He is dedicated to reviving the lost ancient art of Jian Zhan through meticulous research, hand made glazing and clays personally excavated from Song Dynasty sites.
Unlike many studios, Lin Xi personally oversees every aspect of his work without help. As a single artist, Lin Xi makes his own glazes, throws his own cups, and fires every batch personally.
Lin Xi works with our partner Li Xiangxiand the Yangxian Institute on building Jian Zhan fit to revive the Song Dynasty style dian cha ceremony, and has won many awards for his striking work. We are excited to represent his rare and highly collectible art for the first time outside of China.
“Bo Re Zhan”16th Annual China Art Exhibition
Traditional Arts Category Gold Medal
“Cai Shao”April 2019 Shen Zhen
Golden Phoenix Art Competition Gold Medal
“Mu Lan Zhan”June 2018 Hua Li Competition
Silver Medal
ABOUT JIAN ZHAN
"Jian Zhan pottery is made in Shui Ji, Jian Yang, an ancient art dating back to the Han dynasty, also known as Jian Yao. It is the most famous of the eight great pottery schools of the Song Dynasty.
While Jian Zhan was fired as early as the Han dynasty, it became an imperial tribute art in the Song, offered to the emperor.
Because Jian Zhan is incredibly difficult to produce, and very few pieces fire successfully to finish, it is an incredibly costly and laborious art. Tribute quality pieces were picked from countless firings and countless individual pieces. Jian Zhan became known as “min yao, guan yong” the labor of the people, the pleasure of the court.
Song Huizong, emperor of the Northern Song elaborates on Jian Zhan in his treatise on tea Da Guan Tu Lun: “Jian Zhan is a prized midnight blue, woven with lines of jade.”
In the Song dynasty tea competitions, Jian Zhan was the most suitable preparation vessel, and with the imperial endorsement, every Song scholarly aristocrat would part with huge sums to acquire the finest pieces. Cultured Song poets praised the refined enjoyment of Jian Zhan. During this golden age, Jian Zhan was brought to Japan where it became known as Tenmokku, a Japanese national treasure.
Jian Zhan is fire and earth, united with perfect skill, a high art in the world of pottery."
- Lin Xi
Jianyang Jianan Taishou Jianlou Research Institute
