Song Re-creation Tea Whisking Bowl（SRI 2504-09-07W）

Natural burial-aged after firing.

Created as part of The Phoenix Kiln’s Song Re-creation Collection, this handmade tea whisking bowl follows the functional forms used for whisked tea in the imperial and literati tea culture of the Song dynasty. The compact proportions and balanced depth reflect archaeological Jian ware bowls historically used for preparing powdered tea with a bamboo whisk. Designed for stability and practical use, the form emphasizes a grounded profile and controlled curvature rather than decorative complexity.

Like other works in the Song Re-creation series, the bowl is hand-thrown according to form archetypes preserved in excavated Song Jian ware rather than modern symmetrical standards. Subtle variations produced by hand and wheel reflect the organic character commonly observed in Song-period ceramics. The base bears an incised inscription reading “Jin Zhan” (进盏), historically associated with tribute bowls presented to the imperial court, reflecting the important role of Jian ware within the imperial tea culture of the period.

After firing, the bowl undergoes natural burial aging. Through long-term interaction with soil minerals, moisture, and environmental conditions, the surface gradually develops a muted patina and softened mineral texture closer to that observed on excavated historical ceramics. This process avoids artificial chemical aging and allows time and environment to shape the final surface character.

The bowl is handmade in Shuiji Town, Jianyang, Fujian, and fired in the Skyward Dragon Kiln using local iron-rich clay and naturally iron-bearing mineral glaze. Variations in kiln atmosphere, reduction, and crystalline development ensure that every bowl remains structurally unique.

Technical Specifications

• Kiln Type: Skyward Dragon Kiln (wood-fired)

• Firing Temperature: Approx. 1300–1350 °C

• Firing Cycle: About 20 days preparation, 3 days firing

• Firing Atmosphere: Natural oxidation–reduction transition

• Forming Method: Fully hand-thrown

• Trimming Method: Fully hand-trimmed

• Clay Source: Native clay from Shuiji Town, Jianyang, Fujian

• Clay Iron Content: ≥8%

• Glaze Type: Iron-based mineral glaze

• Glaze Source: Native mineral glaze from Shuiji Town, Jianyang

• Crystallization Depth: Surface crystallization

• Glaze Category: Black Glaze

• Work Attribute: Individually numbered piece

• Origin: Shuiji Town, Jianyang, Fujian, China

Details

• Diameter: 12.7 cm (5.0 in)

• Height: 6.8 cm (2.68 in)

• Weight: 321 g (11.32 oz)

Note:

– To preserve its naturally aged, burial-formed surface and original rustic state, capacity is not measured with water.

– All measurements are taken by hand; slight variation may occur.

In the Box

• Paulownia Collector’s Box

• Linen Cup Pouch

• Double-Layer Cotton Tea Towel

• Collector’s Brochure with Certificate — artisan-signed, sealed, and individually numbered

• Care Instruction Card (for collectors who choose to use the cup for tea)