Shino Cloud, No. 9

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 was glazed in thick gray shino on its interior and exterior surfaces, then fired in a wood-kiln for five days. Some crawling is visible on both surfaces, revealing patches of raw clay. There is a unique orange tint to one section of this bowl’s interior. The thick glaze also exhibits a network of crazing across its surface, an effect accentuated by the pre-seasoning that the ceramicist has given to this piece.

The thick glaze is celadon-like, fired to create a fat-like texture that is exceptionally smooth and exceptionally comfortable to hold. This bowl has a wider diameter than others in the series.

Approximate dimensions: 95mm tall, 115mm diameter, 425ml・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.