In the diverse world of tea utensils, pottery and porcelain have long held a dominant position due to their rustic or magnificent characteristics. However, in the Tongxin She Teahouse, a unique colored glaze Gongdao cup is quietly exuding its own charm, injecting a different flavor into the tea affairs. With a delicate capacity of only 100cc, it carries profound cultural heritage and extraordinary artistic value.
Colored glaze, a treasure from the ancient Chinese civilization over 2,000 years ago, has transcended the simple category of utensils as it weaves through the realms of the tangible and intangible. It is a container for holding tea soup, a key element in creating a tea ambiance, and it also contains profound philosophical principles. The "Pure Colored Glaze World" in Buddhism uses colored glaze to symbolize the supreme state of mind that is clear, natural, bright, pure, and free from worldly concerns. As the Buddhist saying goes, "May I, in my future life when attaining Bodhi, have a body like colored glaze, clear both inside and out." These cups and vessels made of colored glaze, with their clear and pure appearance, have become the carriers of people's beautiful wishes.
Looking back through history, colored glaze was born out of the wonderful accident during the ancient people's bronze casting process. It is the perfect crystallization of the combination of ores and metals under specific temperatures and environments. It not only has a translucent texture similar to jade but also emits a unique sound like metal when tapped, which is both crisp and melodious. This unique texture and sound have made it stand out since its birth.
Utensils made of colored glaze can be regarded as artworks of great collection value and have always been highly esteemed by the royal family and Buddhism. It is one of the five famous utensils in China and also an important member of the "Seven Treasures of Buddhism." And this colored glaze Gongdao cup in front of us showcases the charm of colored glaze to the fullest. It is shiny, smooth, and translucent, refracting a dreamy halo under the light. The cup shape is elegant, and the smooth curve of the cup body not only brings a visual aesthetic but also provides a comfortable grip for the user, making it easy to hold.
It is worth mentioning that this Gongdao cup is entirely hand-polished. Every trimmed edge is fine and regular, presenting a round and soft texture. Its shape is generous and simple, yet it has an unparalleled versatility. Whether it is paired with an ancient purple clay teapot, a warm white porcelain gaiwan, or other tea utensils made of different materials, it can complement each other harmoniously. It stands out as a striking sight on the tea table.
During tea ceremonies, this colored glaze Gongdao cup is like an elegant messenger, evenly distributing the brewed tea soup so that each cup of tea can present the same color, aroma, and taste. It not only ensures the fairness of the tea soup but also adds a touch of vivid color to the tea table with its own beauty, making every tea-tasting session a dual feast for the eyes and taste buds. When the fragrance of the tea curls up and wafts, through the clear body of the colored glaze Gongdao cup, it seems as if one can see the cultural precipitation of thousands of years and the painstaking efforts of the craftsmen. On this small tea table, the legend of colored glaze and the story of tea continue to unfold.