Shino・Stoneware・Wood-fired・Knife-cut

Tea bowls in Zhang Yun Cheng’s Shino Cloud series were first hand-thrown, then shaped with a series of knife-cuts to create their unique geometric facets. A final turn on the wheel smoothed away the angularity, giving the bowls a comfortable rounded profile.

This particular bowl has an even application of shino glaze on its interior and exterior surfaces. It was then fired in a wood-kiln for five days. The ceramicist used temperature controls during firing to encourage the glaze to “crawl” on the surfaces of the bowl, wherein the glaze pulls together to form curds on the clay surface. Carbon trapping between the pools of glaze enhances the effect, giving this bowl the appearance of a dry lake bed.

This bowl feels sturdy and balanced in hand. Its textured surface is belies the exceptional smoothness of the glazed surfaces.

Approximate dimensions: 95mm tall, 105mm diameter, 380ml・Artist: 張允澄

About Tea Bowls

In Taiwan, tea bowls are often used to drink loose leaf tea. It's quite simple and works wonders on most of our teas.

Simply warm a tea bowl, add tea leaves, and add water. We suggest using 1 to 2 grams less tea than our normal recommended dosage. Fill the bowl 2/3 of the way to the top. Pour a steady stream of water over the leaves to help them settle to the bottom. Steep until leaves have just opened. Sip, and add more water if necessary.

Usage and care: Hand-wash only, mild detergent is ok.