Jian tea cup

Glazed stoneware

7.2 cm x 12.5 cm

The Jian tea bowl is the classic tea bowl for your matcha ceremony and has a very long tradition. In China during the Song Dynasty, matcha was prepared in such tea bowls, and the visual effect created when a light green tea foam formed in a dark room was highly appreciated.

Japanese Zen monks brought numerous Jian tea bowls back from their study trips, which were already referred to as "tenmoku-chawan" at an early stage. In Japan, a distinct style developed, while in China, some master potters preserved the classic manufacturing method, which is characterized by the "hare's fur glaze".

The "hare's fur glaze" is created by applying a lighter glaze to the rim, which runs during the firing process and forms fine streaks. This effect is unique to each Jian tea bowl, and in the premium version, it is particularly striking. In some places, an oil spot decoration appears, which is known as yuteki. Such mixed forms are very rare.

Unlike Japanese matcha bowls, classic Jian tea bowls are always symmetrical. They are easily recognizable by their typical shape. Even today, matcha bowls of this type are used in Japanese tea ceremonies. You can find more about the history of these traditional bowls in the blog.

This bowl was crafted in the Chun Lei kiln in Fujian Province—the birthplace where Jian bowls for preparing matcha have been made for over 1,000 years.

This matcha bowl is approx. 7.2 cm high and approx. 12.5 cm wide. The clay has a very high iron content, which is reflected in its relatively heavy weight.