This cup from ceramicist Zhang Yun Cheng is thrown with a textured stoneware and fired in a wood-burning kiln for five days. A luminous coating of shino glaze covers this piece, the firing process drawing forth its natural penchant for crazing as seen in the tiny crackles that cover the surface of the vessel. Patterns of ash and flame can be indentified, following the course they charted through the kiln, creating areas of dark carbon trapping along the lip of the cup and enhancing the rusticity of the surface texture, drawing out grog and flecks of iron oxide in the clay and elevating tactile elements fore.

This piece received extra attention from the artist, who seasoned the bowl with tea for over a week, creating a subtle iridescence that will continue to develop with time and use.

This cup is one of a kind.

Usage and care: To wash, simply rinse between uses or hand scrub with mild detergent.