In the curling aroma of tea, an exquisite gongfu tea set is a treasure for every tea enthusiast. Today, we present the craftsmanship of Tongxin She Teahouse - the "Retain Guests" Gongfu Tea Set, inviting you to an elegant gathering of tea fragrance.
The Beauty of Craftsmanship: Blue-and-White Porcelain Meets Purple-Gold Glaze with Gold Tracing
Blue-and-White "Retain Guests" Gongfu Tea Cups (3 pieces)
Inspired by a small cup from the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty in the studio, the tea cups are innovatively crafted with thinner and lighter胎体 (porcelain body). Retaining the original shape, patterns, and size, they feature a flared mouth with a ring foot, slightly short and open, balancing aroma concentration and heat dissipation. They fit perfectly in the hand, offering both practicality and把玩之趣 (pleasure of appreciation). The outer walls are decorated with three "window frames," painted with simple strokes for a rustic charm, while a small flower inside the cup adds a touch of ancient elegance.
Purple-Gold Glaze with Gold-Traced Kettle Holder (1 piece)
The holder has a flat rim and a narrow edge, with a smooth central area that can hold three cups or the main teapot. Both inner and outer surfaces are coated with purple-gold glaze, followed by gold tracing after firing. The overall tone harmonizes with the purple sand, while the steady monochrome backdrop sets off the blue-and-white porcelain, serving as a link between the teapot and cups. The bottom is inscribed with "忘言清玩" (Wordless Appreciation of Purity).
Purple-gold glaze, a high-temperature glaze using iron as a colorant, is also known as "brown glaze" or "persimmon glaze," named for its composition of "purple-gold clay." The craft reached excellence in the early Ming Dynasty at Jingdezhen Imperial Kilns and further advanced in the Qing Dynasty, with products exuding metallic luster. The brown glaze reached its peak during the Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong reigns, and this holder carries forward this thousand-year-old technique.
The Art of Teapot and Cups: The Harmony of Zhu Clay Pear-Shaped Teapot and Gongfu Cups
Zhu Clay Pear-Shaped Mini Teapot (1 piece)
As the ancient saying goes, "Without a pear-shaped teapot in hand, one can hardly discuss tea affairs," so this mini Zhu clay pear-shaped teapot is paired with Ruoshen cups. Modeled after the Mengchen pear shape, it combines simplicity and precision, suitable for gongfu tea rituals with its delicate charm.
Wen Zhenheng wrote in Changwu Zhi (Records of Superfluous Things): "Teapots made of sand are the best, as they neither overpower the tea aroma nor leave a cooked taste." Moreover, "After long use and daily polishing, the teapot naturally develops a subtle luster, worthy of close appreciation." This Zhu clay pear-shaped teapot not only enhances the tea fragrance perfectly but also grows more温润 (mellow) with time.
The three gongfu tea cups (2.7cm height, 5.4cm diameter, 30ml capacity) complement the teapot exquisitely. Their delicate design and comfortable grip allow you to fully savor the tea's richness.
The kettle holder (1.8cm height, 16.2cm diameter) is perfectly sized to stabilize the teapot and cups, adding beauty to the tea table. The brocade box (21.5cm length, 21.5cm width, 14.6cm height) not only ensures easy storage but also serves as an elegant package, ideal for personal use or gifting.
Limited Collection: A Rare Treasure of Tea Culture
The "Retain Guests" Gongfu Tea Set is produced in limited quantities, with each set being unique. It is not just a tea set but a heritage of culture and a reflection of lifestyle. In your leisure time, invite friends, set up this tea set, boil water, brew tea, and chat in the tea aroma, enjoying the rare tranquility.
Tongxin She Teahouse's "Retain Guests" Gongfu Tea Set looks forward to meeting you in the world of tea, embarking on this wonderful tea journey together.