Teapot shape: Beauty shoulder teapot
Teapot shape: Beauty shoulder teapot represents elegance and grace in its design. It is named for its resemblance to the graceful shoulders of a beautiful woman, embodying aesthetic beauty and sophistication in tea culture.
CUP SHAPE: CHICKEN HEART CUP
In porcelain, the "chicken heart cup" holds significant cultural and aesthetic value. Its name comes from its unique shape, which resembles a chicken's heart. In Chinese culture, the chicken heart cup is often associated with good luck, prosperity, and happiness. It symbolizes the artisans' exceptional craftsmanship and the rich heritage of traditional porcelain-making techniques.
Pattern on the teapot: Flourishing flowers and butterflies
The pattern of flourishing flowers and butterflies on the teapot symbolizes abundance, beauty, and freedom. The flowers represent richness and prosperity in life, while butterflies symbolize transformation, freedom, and the journey of the soul. Together, these patterns showcase the beauty of life and the wonders of nature, reflecting a reverence for beauty and freedom in tea culture.
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.
