Stoneware・Wood-fired・Cypress

These teapots from Taiwanese ceramicist, Zhang Yun Cheng, are crafted from dark, iron-rich stoneware. The form begins with the handle, and the clay takes cues from the wood. The result is perfect balance and weight distribution of the final piece.

These pots are a study in materiality. The grain of the hand carved cypress pine handle, coupled with the grog-rich stoneware, highlight each element in it’s natural state. While unglazed, five days of heavy wood firing give these pots a unique patina of warm copper and golds. Iron oxide spots fleck the surface. This luster is exaggerated with a week of tea seasoning, which draws even more iridescent colors to the surface.

A honeycomb of holes are drilled beneath the spout, permitting fast, clean tea drainage. The artist’s signature is inscribed in the base.

Usage and care: Unglazed wood-fired pieces will season very slowly over time, though limited porosity allows for use of different tea types. Exterior of the teapot will deepen in color and develop a rich luster with use. Hand-wash only without soap or detergent.

Approximate dimensions: 90mm tall, 90mm diameter, 250ml・Artist: 張允澄