Shino-glazed stoneware・14 day wood-fired

The irregular shape of Song Jin's tea bowls is an expression of the artist's belief that a circle can take many forms, and need not be symmetrical to be perfect. It is a philosophy that runs through all of the artists work, the wabi sabi beauty of the imperfect.

Each bowl is thrown on a stone kick wheel, then knife carved. As you turn the form you’ll find evidence of the potter’s hands. Deep groves mark the base of the bowl, expressly fitted to a thumb or finger.Two rounds of 7 day long firing produces a jade like exterior with both depth and sheen. A hint of cobalt blue in each piece is a nod to traditional blue and white "qing hua" pottery.

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 help 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.

Approximate dimensions: 70mm tall, 95mm diameter, 225ml volume・Artist: 宋錦