Xing Shi Tea Cup
These handmade porcelain teacups bring together several traditional auspicious design elements from a long history of ceramics in Jingdezhen kilns.
A crystalline rose-colored glaze lies under an intricate hand-painted depiction of a traditional “lion rolling around a hydrangea flower” motif. This imagery is considered to be highly auspicious for the Han Chinese people. Lions are considered the king of all animals, similar to their status in many Western cultures. Lions are believed to help deter disasters and evil spirits from entering the home while inviting desired things, such as good fortune. Hydrangeas and the colors red and pink are used during traditional Han weddings because they are believed to bring luck to the newly married.
These cups use a crystalline glaze that was first developed in the Song dynasty (960–1279 CE) but didn’t see widespread use until much later, due to the intensity of the labor and high price of materials used to create these highly-desired, glistening glazes.
During the Yongle period of the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644 CE), kilns in Jingdezhen were established that began producing a similar style of wares, often using hand painted motives that have been used throughout China since the neolithic period.
Artisans in Jingdezhen carry on these traditional methods and motifs in these Xing Shi teacups.