A refined tribute to Song Dynasty elegance, the Yue Kiln Celadon Secret-Color Lotus Tea Cup Set embodies the quiet sophistication of classical Chinese literati culture. Rooted in the legendary tradition of Yue ware, this piece revives the elusive beauty of the “secret-color glaze” once reserved for imperial appreciation.
With its lotus-inspired form, fluted flower-mouth rim, and elevated pedestal base, this tea cup set transforms a simple sip into a moment of poetic stillness. Designed for contemplative tea drinking, it reflects the harmony, restraint, and intellectual grace of Song-era tea aesthetics.
The Legacy of Yue Kiln Celadon
Yue kiln ceramics are among the most celebrated traditions in Chinese ceramic history, known for their:
- Jade-like celadon glaze
- Subtle, layered translucency
- Elegant simplicity
- Refined scholar’s aesthetics
The “secret-color” glaze is especially prized for its soft, misty green tone—neither bright nor opaque, but gently luminous like polished jade under water.
This cup set continues that lineage, offering a contemporary interpretation of timeless celadon beauty.
Inspired by Song Dynasty Literati Tea Culture
During the Song Dynasty, tea drinking was elevated into an art form practiced by scholars, poets, and painters.
This lotus cup set reflects that cultural heritage through:
- Lotus-shaped floral rim symbolizing purity
- Elevated high-foot base for refined presence
- Compact personal tea capacity for mindful tasting
- Minimal ornamentation emphasizing natural glaze beauty
It is designed not for excess, but for contemplation.
Lotus Form — Symbol of Purity and Elegance
The lotus has long symbolized:
- Purity rising above the mundane
- Spiritual clarity
- Gentle resilience
- Inner refinement
The sculpted petal rim echoes a blooming lotus, subtly opening outward to frame the tea within—turning every pour into a visual meditation.
Elevated Scholar’s Tea Experience
The included high-foot cup and matching saucer create a layered visual structure reminiscent of classical ceremonial tea ware.
This elevated form enhances:
- Visual elegance on the tea table
- Heat insulation from the base
- Ceremonial presence during serving
- Balance between functionality and artistry
It is especially suited for refined, slow tea drinking rather than casual consumption.
Product Details
Cup
- Mouth Diameter: 2.4 inches (6 cm)
- Height: 1.6 inches (4.1 cm)
- Capacity: 1 oz (30 ml)
Cup with Stand (Total Set Height)
- Total Height: 2.5 inches (6.3 cm)
Cup Stand (Saucer)
- Diameter: 3.8 inches (9.7 cm)
- Height: 1.3 inches (3.2 cm)
Material
- Yue Kiln-style celadon porcelain
- Secret-color glaze (mì sè yòu inspired finish)
Style
- Song Dynasty revival aesthetic
- Literati tea ware
- Lotus flower form design
Ideal Use
Perfect for:
- Gongfu tea tasting sessions
- High-end oolong appreciation
- Pu-erh sampling
- Scholar’s tea rituals
- Tea ceremony collections
- Display in tea rooms or studios
Its small capacity encourages slow, attentive tasting—where aroma, texture, and aftertaste can be fully appreciated.
Styling Notes
Pairs beautifully with:
- Dehua porcelain gaiwans
- Yixing teapots
- Bamboo tea trays
- Walnut scholar furniture
- Ink-wash inspired ceramics
- Wabi-Sabi interiors
- New Chinese literati décor
The celadon glaze harmonizes naturally with wood, stone, and soft neutral tones.
A Cup of Scholarly Stillness
The Yue Kiln Celadon Lotus Tea Cup Set is more than a tea vessel—it is a continuation of a thousand-year-old cultural dialogue between nature, craftsmanship, and human contemplation.
Each sip becomes a quiet moment of reflection, where jade-like glaze, lotus form, and Song-inspired elegance come together in timeless harmony.
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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.
Meet the Artisan
Ye Zhihe
Every cup begins with earth.
Inside a quiet studio in Jingdezhen, our gaiwan master shapes porcelain by hand before every brushstroke is carefully painted and every piece is transformed by fire.
There are no shortcuts.
No machines replacing practiced hands.
Only centuries of tradition, passed from master to apprentice.
Every gaiwan holds more than tea—it carries a living legacy.
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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