Ru Ware "Dunhuang Phoenix Feather" Sancai Gaiwan
This Gaiwan is a sublime tribute to two pillars of Chinese heritage: the "jade-like" elegance of Song Dynasty Ru Ware and the exotic, vibrant artistry of the Dunhuang Grottoes. Featuring a mesmerizing "Phoenix Feather" motif, this vessel is designed to be "nourished," evolving in beauty with every tea session.
The Convergence of Two Classics
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Imitation Song Ru Ware: The body features the legendary "sky-after-rain" azure glaze. It is thick, warm, and possesses a soft, semi-matte luster that feels like polished jade in the hand.
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Dunhuang Phoenix Feather Motif: Inspired by the murals of the Silk Road, the Phoenix Feather patterns represent divinity, rebirth, and grace. The intricate lines and exotic color palette bring a sense of mystery and historical grandeur to the minimalist Ru glaze.
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Living "Kāipiàn": The glaze is characterized by a fine network of "cicada-wing" crackles. These cracks are "alive"—as you brew tea, the tannins will gradually seep into the lines, highlighting the pattern and creating a unique, golden patina over time.
Design & Craftsmanship
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Sancai (Three Talents) Harmony: Following the traditional structure of Heaven (Lid), Man (Bowl), and Earth (Saucer), this set embodies the philosophical balance of the universe.
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Ergonomic "Man-Machine" Design: The bowl features a flared rim that stays cool to the touch, providing a comfortable, anti-scald grip. The lid is weighted for stability, ensuring a precise, drip-free pour during the Kung Fu tea ritual.
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High-Quality Ceramic: Fired at high temperatures, the porcelain is dense and durable, providing excellent thermal stability to keep your tea at the perfect temperature.
Why Choose the Phoenix Feather Gaiwan?
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The Joy of "Nourishing": This is not a static object; it is a tea-drinking companion. The more you use it, the more beautiful and "antique" it becomes, making it a highly personal treasure for collectors.
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Versatile Brewing: The smooth, non-porous interior makes it suitable for all tea types—from delicate Green teas to robust aged Pu-erhs—without retaining lingering scents.
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Scholarly Gift: With its rich cultural references to the Song Dynasty and the Silk Road, it is an ideal gift for those who appreciate history, art, and the Zen of tea.
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The Silent Alchemist of the Tea Ceremony
The Sovereign's Vessel: An Ode to the Gaiwan
The Gaiwan (盖碗) is not merely a piece of porcelain; it is the pinnacle of minimalist design and the architect of the Gongfu tea experience. Born from the imperial court and perfected over centuries, this tri-part ensemble—the lid (盖), the bowl (碗), and the saucer (托)—represents the harmonious trinity of Heaven, Man, and Earth, respectively. To hold a Gaiwan is to hold a microcosm of the universe in your hands.
Phase I
Shaping the "Three Treasures"
The potter throws three components—bowl, lid, and saucer—to precise measurements. The bowl is shaped with a wide, flared rim for heat dissipation. Once leather-hard, the pieces are trimmed, focusing critically on ensuring the lid fits loosely inside the bowl's rim to allow pouring while retaining the tea leaves.
Throwing the Form
Phase II
Glazing and Adornment
After an optional bisque firing, the gaiwan receives its aesthetic finish. Designs, such as cobalt for "Blue and White," are painted onto the clay. The pieces are then dipped in liquid glaze. Crucially, the potter must wipe the glaze clean from the bowl's foot and the lid's seating rim to prevent them from fusing together during the final firing.
Applying the Finish
Phase III
The High-Heat Transformation
The components are fired to high temperatures (e.g., around 1300℃ for porcelain). This intense heat causes vitrification, where the glaze melts into a glassy layer and the clay transforms into a dense, non-porous ceramic stone. The success of this step is measured by the final fit and function: the lid must sit balanced, the saucer must secure the bowl, and the flared rim must remain cool enough for the user's fingers.
The Kiln's Alchemy
Phase IV
Enjoyment and Practice
Once cooled, the gaiwan is ready for its purpose. The final step is the practice of the brewing ritual. Fill the bowl with hot water and leaves, secure the saucer, and place the lid. The wide rim allows the user to hold the bowl with two fingers while tilting the lid slightly to pour the finished tea liquor into a cup, leaving the spent leaves behind.
The Ritual Unveiled
Frequently Asked Questions
Enjoy free worldwide shipping on all orders. Please allow 2-7 business days for your order to be processed before it ships.
After your order has shipped, you can expect delivery within these estimated timeframes:
- United States (Mainland): 5-15 days
- Alaska, Hawaii, & other US regions: 10-20 days
- Canada: 5-20 days
- Europe: 5-15 days
- Australia/New Zealand: 6-15 days
- Hong Kong: 1-5 days
- Southeast Asia: 5-8 days
- Latin America & other countries: 10-20 days
Need more specific shipping details or have an urgent request? Please contact us via live chat.
For more details, please refer to our Shipping Policy.
You may cancel your order within 48 hours of placing it. Our return policy lasts for 30 days from the date of delivery.
For more details, please refer to our Refund Policy.
Our customer service team is available Monday through Sunday. Feel free to contact us via live chat, through our "Contact" form, or by emailing our client relations executive directly at castor@oriental-artisan.com. We guarantee a reply within 24 hours.
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