Cup shape: Bell Cup
The Bell Cup is designed to resemble the shape of a bell, featuring a wide, rounded body that tapers towards the top. This design is both aesthetically pleasing and functional, allowing for a comfortable grip and a pleasant drinking experience. The bell shape is often associated with clarity and resonance, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to your tea or coffee ritual.
Cup design: Magpie and Plum Blossom
The design of the magpie and plum blossom symbolizes joy, good fortune, and resilience. In Chinese culture, the magpie is seen as an auspicious bird that brings happiness and positive news, while the plum blossom, which blooms in the harshness of winter, represents perseverance and beauty. Together, these motifs enhance the cup's aesthetic appeal and carry a rich cultural significance, conveying wishes for joy, good luck, and enduring strength.
Craftsmanship used in making the cup: Needlepoint Sculpture
Carving, a cherished part of China's intangible cultural heritage, stands as a masterful craft primarily applied in ceramic production. Artisans delicately wield small knives or chisels to intricately carve elaborate patterns and designs onto ceramic surfaces. This art demands exceptional skill and unwavering patience, yielding pieces of extraordinary artistic value that showcase artisans' remarkable craftsmanship and creativity, while preserving and celebrating China's rich cultural legacy.
MAKING PROCESS
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Clay Preparation: The process begins with preparing the porcelain clay body, which is the unglazed base of the porcelain.
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Initial Firing: The clay body is fired at around 800°C to achieve initial hardness, preparing it for the carving process.
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Carving: Artisans meticulously carve and hollow out the surface of the porcelain using specialized carving tools, following the design patterns.
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Glazing: Once carving is completed, the porcelain is glazed. The glaze fills the carved grooves, enhancing the clarity and depth of the patterns.
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Second Firing: After glazing, the porcelain undergoes a second firing at high temperatures, typically around 1200°C. This firing process ensures the integration of glaze with the porcelain body and further enhances the three-dimensional effect of the carved patterns.
