Stoneware・Wood-fired

This tea bowl from ceramicist Zhang Yun Cheng is thrown with a textured stoneware and fired in a wood-burning kiln for five days. It is a follow up to a series we named Husk, so-called because the texture and color are reminiscent of coconut husks.

This bowl is thinly glazed on the exterior, then fired in a wood-kiln for five days. The kiln effect enhances the rusticity of the bowl’s texture, by drawing out iron oxide crystals around the lip. Carbon trapping is visible on almost every surface. This bowl received extra attention by the artist, who pre-seasoned it with tea for over a week. The beautiful iridescence comes from this pre-seasoning.

This bowl is thrown slightly thinner around the lip than the body. The textured walls, weight, and scale makes it a pleasure to use.

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

Approximate dimensions: 75mm tall, 110mm diameter, 350ml・Artist: 張允澄

About Tea Bowls

In Japan, tea bowls are traditionally used to drink whisked powdered tea (matcha). In Taiwan, they are often used to drink loose leaf tea. We've adopted this latter approach. 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 and filling the bowl 2/3 of the way to the top. Adding a slow steady stream of the water over the leaves also helps the leaves settle to the bottom. Steep until leaves have just opened. Sip, and add more water if necessary. Drinking tea from a bowl is both casual, and elegant. It's also a very personal and comforting experience.