Jun Ware Zise Tea Cup
This simple yet elegant stoneware teacup is crafted according to the long tradition of Jun ware that began in the Northern Song dynasty (960-1127 CE) and continued well into the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The style is known for thick glazes in subdued purples, blues, greens, and reds that often do not cover the entire piece and go through relatively unpredictable color transformations during firing, giving each piece unique variations in texture and color. Jun ware saw a resurgence during the Qing dynasty (1644-1911) in Jingdezhen in the southern China province of Jiangxi, and factories and artisans continue making ceramics in the style today.
These particular teacups are handmade by artisans in Jingdezhen. Their rich, earthy purple-blue color is similar to the early Jun ware common in the Jin dynasty (1115-1234). The natural brown color of the clay is exposed around the lip of the cup, where the glaze is thinner. These cups are small and simple in design, with sturdy thickness and smooth lines, making them especially suitable as stoneware teacups for gongfu-style tea preparation.