Verdant Tea

Deep orange dances across this cup like flames from the kiln captured in portrait against a deep dark pool at cup’s base. 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.

Deep red and orange call to mind the abundance of perfectly ripe persimmons, figs, dates, and pomegranate, the abundance of harvest. 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.

This piece takes the fundamental aspects of Song Dynasty Hare’s Fur glaze and gives them stunning new life in deep blue and green, dark waters against a golden sunset.  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.

Lin Xi’s fame as a leading potter reviving the Jian Zhan tradition started with his contribution of a signature style of "you di" or oil drop glazing. This unique, one-of-a-kind cup is from Lin Xi’s award-winning firing featuring his stunning “Grapevine” pattern. Each of these pieces is completely hand-thrown and hand finished by Lin Xi in his one-man studio. 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. This piece is stamped with Lin Xi’s personal seal, and packed with a collectors certificate in a beautiful gift box.

Deep crystalline patterns spread across blue-black like stars time-lapsed against the night sky in 360 degrees. 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.

Deep burnished bronze, dramatic silver, ripples of deep black from the kiln’s heat signature evoke an ancient shield, full of a thousand years of patina, unearthed from a forgotten place. 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.

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.

This is one of Lin Xi’s first successful pieces working with thick layers of hand-made glazing for a deep texture and dramatic contrast. 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.

Stunning vibrant green contrasts with deep crimson on this incredible Dragon Kiln firing to evoke foam and speckling left from Song Dynasty matcha whisking competitions, a nod to the historic past of Jian Zhan, and a beautiful evocative connection to tea culture. 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.

This year Lin Xi fired three incredible and unique cups in his Dragon Kiln that achieved a brilliant contrast of luminous sky blue against deep earth tones, and an almost glassy finish. This blue against red brown is almost a mirror of the Song Dynasty Jun glaze tradition of red against blue, but in reverse, and arising from natural temperature variation in the kiln, not application of special glaze. 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.

This year Lin Xi fired three incredible and unique cups in his Dragon Kiln that achieved a brilliant contrast of luminous sky blue against deep earth tones, and an almost glassy finish. This blue against red brown is almost a mirror of the Song Dynasty Jun glaze tradition of red against blue, but in reverse, and arising from natural temperature variation in the kiln, not application of special glaze. 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.

This year Lin Xi fired three incredible and unique cups in his Dragon Kiln that achieved a brilliant contrast of luminous sky blue against deep earth tones, and an almost glassy finish. This blue against red brown is almost a mirror of the Song Dynasty Jun glaze tradition of red against blue, but in reverse, and arising from natural temperature variation in the kiln, not application of special glaze. 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.

This unique cup contrasts black and gold for a striking portrait of the sun mid-eclipse, with flares emanating against the dark. 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.

This stunning cup is a perfect embodiment of the traditional Song Dynasty Rabbit’s Fur pattern with deep brown lines against blue-black, with a rippling pattern in the center- like the moon reflected in a pond at night, disturbed by a gust of wind, all contrasted by the deep shining purple of the unglazed bottom. 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.

This stunning cup is a perfect embodiment of the traditional Song Dynasty Rabbit’s Fur pattern with deep brown lines against blue-black, coming together in the middle like a full moon, all contrasted by the deep shining purple of the unglazed bottom. 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.

This stunning cup is a perfect embodiment of the traditional Song Dynasty Rabbit’s Fur pattern with deep brown lines against blue-black, with a blue-green halo that evokes the Northern Lights, all contrasted by the deep shining purple of the unglazed bottom. 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.

This stunning cup is a perfect embodiment of the traditional Song Dynasty Rabbit’s Fur pattern with deep brown lines against blue-black, like embers from an evening campfire, all contrasted by the deep shining purple of the unglazed bottom. 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.

This is the first deep blue cup we’ve seen out of Lin Xi’s Dragon Kiln, full of deep subtle swirling patterns, a tempest in a teacup, all in midnight blue lapis lazuli shades, like looking into the night sky or deep into the ocean. 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.

This stunning cup is a perfect embodiment of the traditional Song Dynasty Rabbit’s Fur pattern with deep brown lines against blue-black, with a wavering island-shape in the center from which the rabbits fur lines emanate, all contrasted by the deep shining purple of the unglazed bottom. 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.

High drama and striking color make this an incredible Dragon Kiln firing from Lin Xi. Deep black seems even darker against radiating green and pink, a line of contrast like an event horizon around the pool at the center. 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.

This unique piece shows similar heat patterning to traditional Rabbit’s Fur style but with a more diffuse spiraling effect, and vibrant mossy green against the blue and orange, evoking a forest in early spring. 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.

This stunning cup is a perfect embodiment of the traditional Song Dynasty Rabbit’s Fur pattern with deep brown lines against blue-black, with an almost galaxy-like pattern in the center reflecting the heat of the kiln, all contrasted by the deep shining purple of the unglazed bottom. 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.

This stunning cup captures the saturated rich orange and red reflected on the walls of desert canyons before a storm moves in with low sun and charged air. 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.

This stunning cross-pollination between the Jian Zhan and Celadon tradition brings together the depth, luster, and natural variation only possible in a Song -Dynasty style Dragon Kiln with the glass-like crackling and smooth glazing of Longquan Celadon. This experimental series is based on Lin Xi’s growing collaboration with Li Xiangxi, Wuyi Oolong craftswoman and founder of the Yang XIan Tea Institute. Much of Li Xiangxi’s family is from nearby Longquan, and because of this personal connection to celadon craft, she has brought celadon into Wuyi tea ceremony. This cup represents that union perfectly; a hand-thrown masterpiece by Lin Xi. 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.

This massive Jian Zhan tea bowl was hand-thrown and hand-fired by Master Lin Xi, and specifically designed with its high-sloping sides and flared lip for Dian Cha ceremony, whisking matcha while slowly adding water to form a high foam accentuated by the deep dark Jian Zhan firing. Indeed, the earliest Jian Zhan tea bowls were for appreciating whisked tea. The large size is also perfect for adding tea leaves and water and sipping right out of the bowl, topping it off throughout the day while watching the leaves unfurl. This bowl was made with the same Shui Ji clay and natural mineral glazing used by Song Dynasty potters for a highly traditional You Di or oil spot effect. This bowl is impressed with Master Lin Xi’s seal on the foot and comes in a gift box with Lin Xi’s signed collectors certificate.

This massive Jian Zhan tea bowl was hand-thrown and hand-fired by Master Lin Xi, and specifically designed with its high-sloping sides and flared lip for Dian Cha ceremony, whisking matcha while slowly adding water to form a high foam accentuated by the deep dark Jian Zhan firing. Indeed, the earliest Jian Zhan tea bowls were for appreciating whisked tea. The large size is also perfect for adding tea leaves and water and sipping right out of the bowl, topping it off throughout the day while watching the leaves unfurl. This bowl was made with the same Shui Ji clay and natural mineral glazing used by Song Dynasty potters for a highly traditional hare’s fur glazing pattern. This bowl is impressed with Master Lin Xi’s seal on the foot and comes in a gift box with Lin Xi’s signed collectors certificate.

This massive Jian Zhan tea bowl was hand-thrown and hand-fired by Master Lin Xi, and specifically designed with its high-sloping sides and flared lip for Dian Cha ceremony, whisking matcha while slowly adding water to form a high foam accentuated by the deep dark Jian Zhan firing. Indeed, the earliest Jian Zhan tea bowls were for appreciating whisked tea. The large size is also perfect for adding tea leaves and water and sipping right out of the bowl, topping it off throughout the day while watching the leaves unfurl. This bowl was made with the same Shui Ji clay and natural mineral glazing used by Song Dynasty potters for a highly traditional hare’s fur glazing pattern. This bowl is impressed with Master Lin Xi’s seal on the foot and comes in a gift box with Lin Xi’s signed collectors certificate.

This stunning cross-pollination between the Jian Zhan and Celadon tradition brings together the depth, luster, and natural variation only possible in a SOng -Dynasty style Dragon Kiln with the glass-like crackling and smooth glazing of Longquan Celadon. This experimental series is based on Lin Xi’s growing collaboration with Li Xiangxi, Wuyi Oolong craftswoman and founder of the Yang XIan Tea Institute. Much of Li Xiangxi’s family is from nearby Longquan, and because of this personal connection to celadon craft, she has brought celadon into Wuyi tea ceremony. This cup represents that union perfectly; a hand-thrown masterpiece by Lin Xi. 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.

This massive Jian Zhan tea bowl was hand-thrown and hand-fired by Master Lin Xi, and specifically designed with its high-sloping sides and flared lip for Dian Cha ceremony, whisking matcha while slowly adding water to form a high foam accentuated by the deep green Jian Zhan Dragon Kiln wood-firing. Indeed, the earliest Jian Zhan tea bowls were for appreciating whisked tea. The large size is also perfect for adding tea leaves and water and sipping right out of the bowl, topping it off throughout the day while watching the leaves unfurl. 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 bowl was made with the same Shui Ji clay and natural mineral glazing used by Song Dynasty potters for a highly traditional You Di or oil spot effect. This bowl is impressed with Master Lin Xi’s seal on the foot and comes in a gift box with Lin Xi’s signed collectors certificate.