Shino Cloud, No. 12

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 bowl received a thin shino glaze on the exterior, and a thicker glaze on the interior. Fired in a wood-kiln for five days. The thinner glaze emerges from the kiln with a glossy, golden sheen. Carbon trapping concentrated along the lip of the bowl gives the glossy exterior depth and richness, The thicker interior glaze exhibits a high degree of crawling, with many of the cloud-like curds of glaze settling at the bottom of the bowl. An iridescent patina comes from tea pre-seasoning by the artist.

This bowl is remarkably comfortable in the hand, while its varying textures and kiln effects provide visual interest.

Approximate dimensions: 90mm tall, 105mm diameter, 350ml・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.