Verdant Tea

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 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 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.

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 cup was hand crafted under the supervision of Jian Zhan Master Xiong, by his son-in-law using the same clay and glazing of Shui Ji used by Song Dynasty potters. The blue oil spot glazing that naturally forms during firing is the inspiration and ancestor for all Japanese Tenmoku wares. Due to natural variation during firing, the beautiful patterns on each tea cup will all be slightly different.

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 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.

This cup was hand crafted under the supervision of Jian Zhan Master Xiong, by his son-in-law using the same clay and glazing of Shui Ji used by Song Dynasty potters. The blue oil spot glazing that naturally forms during firing is the inspiration and ancestor for all Japanese Tenmoku wares. Due to natural variation during firing, the beautiful patterns on each tea cup will all be slightly different.

These beautiful cups are hand glazed by two brothers in De Hua inspired to study both Tenmoku glazing techniques in Japan and ancient Song Dynasty Jian Zhan styles in Shui Ji. They named their kiln Su Ji, which means revival and remembrance. Each cup comes in a beautiful presentation box and bears the brothers' seal. These cups become more lustrous and deeper over years of use. Due to natural variation during firing, the beautiful patterns on each tea cup will all be slightly different.

These beautiful cups are hand glazed by two brothers in De Hua inspired to study both Tenmokku glazing techniques in Japan and ancient Song Dynasty Jian Zhan styles in Shui Ji. They named their kiln Su Ji, which means revival and remembrance. Each cup comes in a beautiful presentation box and bears the brothers' seal. These cups become more lustrous and deeper over years of use Due to natural variation during firing, the beautiful patterns on each tea cup will all be slightly different.

These beautiful cups are hand glazed by two brothers in De Hua inspired to study both Tenmokku glazing techniques in Japan and ancient Song Dynasty Jian Zhan styles in Shui Ji. They named their kiln Su Ji, which means revival and remembrance. Each cup comes in a beautiful presentation box and bears the brothers' seal. These cups become more lustrous and deeper over years of use Due to natural variation during firing, the beautiful patterns on each tea cup will all be slightly different.

These beautiful cups are hand glazed by two brothers in De Hua inspired to study both Tenmokku glazing techniques in Japan and ancient Song Dynasty Jian Zhan styles in Shui Ji. They named their kiln Su Ji, which means revival and remembrance. Each cup comes in a beautiful presentation box and bears the brothers' seal. These cups become more lustrous and deeper over years of use Due to natural variation during firing, the beautiful patterns on each tea cup will all be slightly different.

This incredible set has been meticulously handcrafted by two brothers in Dehua who studied both the Japanese Tenmoku tradition and the Song dynasty Jian Zhan tradition. This set is an invitation to a simpler tea ceremony- green leaves steeped in a dark bowl to show their color, and strained into each cup with the special ladle. Due to natural variation during firing, the beautiful patterns on each tea bowl and ladle will all be slightly different.

This gallery quality cup is a collectors' piece, fired at the Ji Yu Fang Lao Long Kiln by Master Xiong, following in the footsteps of Song Dynasty Jian Zhan art. Made from clay and glaze mixed from the earth of Shui Ji, this cup was wood fired in a traditional dragon kiln built to Song Dynasty specifications. About one in ten cups fired survive, and very few are released by Master Xiong. Includes wooden collectors' box & certificate signed by Master Xiong.

This gallery quality cup is a collectors' piece, fired at the Ji Yu Fang Lao Long Kiln by Master Xiong, following in the footsteps of Song Dynasty Jian Zhan art. Made from clay and glaze mixed from the earth of Shui Ji, this cup was wood fired in a traditional dragon kiln built to Song Dynasty specifications. About one in ten cups fired survive, and very few are released by Master Xiong. Includes wooden collectors' box & certificate signed by Master Xiong.

This gallery quality cup is a collectors' piece, fired at the Ji Yu Fang Lao Long Kiln by Master Xiong, following in the footsteps of Song Dynasty Jian Zhan art. Made from clay and glaze mixed from the earth of Shui Ji, this cup was wood fired in a traditional dragon kiln built to Song Dynasty specifications. About one in ten cups fired survive, and very few are released by Master Xiong. Includes wooden collectors' box & certificate signed by Master Xiong.

This gallery quality cup is a collectors' piece, fired at the Ji Yu Fang Lao Long Kiln by Master Xiong, following in the footsteps of Song Dynasty Jian Zhan art. Made from clay and glaze mixed from the earth of Shui Ji, this cup was wood fired in a traditional dragon kiln built to Song Dynasty specifications. About one in ten cups fired survive, and very few are released by Master Xiong. Includes wooden collectors' box & certificate signed by Master Xiong.

This gallery quality cup is a collectors' piece, fired at the Ji Yu Fang Lao Long Kiln by Master Xiong, following in the footsteps of Song Dynasty Jian Zhan art. Made from clay and glaze mixed from the earth of Shui Ji, this cup was wood fired in a traditional dragon kiln built to Song Dynasty specifications. About one in ten cups fired survive, and very few are released by Master Xiong. Includes wooden collectors' box & certificate signed by Master Xiong.

This gallery quality cup is a collectors' piece, fired at the Ji Yu Fang Lao Long Kiln by Master Xiong, following in the footsteps of Song Dynasty Jian Zhan art. Made from clay and glaze mixed from the earth of Shui Ji, this cup was wood fired in a traditional dragon kiln built to Song Dynasty specifications. About one in ten cups fired survive, and very few are released by Master Xiong. Includes wooden collectors' box & certificate signed by Master Xiong.

This teapot was hand crafted under the supervision of Jian Zhan Master Xiong, by his son-in-law using the same clay and glazing of Shui Ji used by Song Dynasty potters. The silver oil spot glazing that naturally forms during firing is the inspiration and ancestor for all Japanese Tenmoku wares. Due to natural variation during firing, the beautiful patterns on each tea pot will all be slightly different.

This gallery quality cup is a collectors' piece, fired at the Ji Yu Fang Lao Long Kiln by Master Xiong Zhonggui, following in the footsteps of Song Dynasty Jian Zhan art. Made from clay and glaze mixed from the earth of Shui Ji, this cup was wood fired in a traditional dragon kiln built to Song Dynasty specifications. About one in ten cups fired survive, and very few are released by Master Xiong. Includes wooden collectors' box

This gallery quality cup is a collectors' piece, fired at the Ji Yu Fang Lao Long Kiln by Master Xiong Zhonggui, following in the footsteps of Song Dynasty Jian Zhan art. Made from clay and glaze mixed from the earth of Shui Ji, this cup was wood fired in a traditional dragon kiln built to Song Dynasty specifications. About one in ten cups fired survive, and very few are released by Master Xiong. Includes wooden collectors' box

This cup was hand crafted under the supervision of Jian Zhan Master Xiong, by his son-in-law using the same clay and glazing of Shui Ji used by Song Dynasty potters. The blue oil spot glazing that naturally forms during firing is the inspiration and ancestor for all Japanese Tenmoku wares. Due to natural variation during firing, the beautiful patterns on each tea cup will all be slightly different.

This beautiful pitcher is hand-made and hand glazed by two brothers in De Hua inspired to study both Tenmoku glazing techniques in Japan and ancient Song Dynasty Jian Zhan styles in Shui Ji. They named their kiln Su Ji, which means revival and remembrance. These pitchers become more lustrous and deeper over years of use. Due to natural variation during firing, the beautiful patterns on each piece will all be slightly different. Due to natural variation during firing, the beautiful patterns on each tea cup will all be slightly different.

This tea cup was fired under the supervision of Jian Zhan Master Xiong, by his son-in-law using the same clay, techniques, and glazing that Song Dynasty potters used when they discovered the hare’s fur style. Master Xiong researched and uncovered the techniques for reviving the Song tradition in wood fired kilns, and has recreated that technique in electric kilns for control and accessibility. Due to natural variation during firing, the beautiful patterns on each tea cup will all be slightly different.

This gaiwan was hand crafted by master ceramicist Huang Changfa using the same clay and glazing of Shui Ji used by Song Dynasty potters. The silver spot oil glaze that naturally forms during firing recreates the Song tradition that was the inspiration for all Japanese Tenmoku wares. The thick glazing makes this a substantial gaiwan that keeps your tea well insulated for consistent heat. The saucer is finished smooth without ridges for a cleaner look and more flexibility. Due to natural variation during firing, the patterns on each gaiwan will be slightly different.

This strainer was hand-crafted by master ceramicist Huang Changfa using the same clay and glazing of Shui Ji used by Song Dynasty potters. The silver spot oil glaze that naturally forms during firing recreates the Song tradition that was the inspiration for all Japanese Tenmoku wares. This strainer is finished with a simple steel mesh, and the glazing is dipped not quite to the ends to leave a beautiful contrast of exposed pottery and silvery glazing. Due to natural variation during firing, the patterns on each strainer will be slightly different.

This cup was hand-crafted by master ceramicist Huang Changfa using the same clay and glazing of Shui Ji used by Song Dynasty potters. The silver spot oil glaze that naturally forms during firing recreates the Song tradition that was the inspiration for all Japanese Tenmoku wares. Because of the hand-dipped glazing, it is rare to see hand made Jian Zhan cups small enough to be used in Gongfu tea, so this is an exciting new offering. The base is left unglazed for a beautiful contrast. Due to natural variation during firing, the patterns on each cup will be slightly different.

This pitcher was hand-crafted by master ceramicist Huang Changfa using the same clay and glazing of Shui Ji used by Song Dynasty potters when they first discovered the hare’s fur style. This technique is recreated in an electric kiln by adding pine needles during firing to affect the glazing patterns. The base is left unglazed for a beautiful contrast. Due to natural variation during firing, the patterns on each pitcher will be slightly different.

Yi 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.

Yi 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.

Yi 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 stunning teacup is a perfect example of the workshop’s technical mastery in recreating the ancient hare’s fur glaze pattern. The workshop uses 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.

Oil 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.

This stunning silver and orange 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.