About Jian Zhan (Tenmoku Tea Ware)
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Origins:
Jian Zhan originated in the Tang Dynasty and flourished during the Song Dynasty, paralleling China's most culturally and artistically prosperous periods. Its distinctive characteristics - high-temperature firing, high iron content, unique glaze patterns, and vessel shapes - have been cherished throughout history and continue to be an integral part of Chinese tea culture today.
_______Song Huizong's <<Literary Gathering>>
_______Song Dynasty <<Tea fight picture>>
Technical Features:
The aesthetic philosophy of Jian Zhan was deeply influenced by Song Dynasty Taoism, embodying the principle of "following nature's way and achieving harmony between humanity and nature."
Unlike traditional ceramics that emphasized manual decoration, Jian Zhan's glazing embraces natural formation. Both the clay body and glaze materials are sourced locally, utilizing iron-rich clay and mineral deposits. The firing process employs traditional dragon kilns with wood fuel, representing the classical transformation of the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire, and earth.
_______Jianzhan's "exposed body" craftsmanship
Collection Value:
The glaze effects of Jian Zhan, such as "Hare's Fur" and "Partridge Feather" patterns, emerge naturally during firing and cannot be precisely controlled by human hands. The vessels feature clean lines and understated forms, expressing rich meaning through minimalist design. As a result, each piece that reaches the collector is unique and irreplicable.
_______Jianzhan glazes - from left to right: partridge spots, rabbit hair, oil drops
