Skip to main content
Teacup (Jian Zhan)
Song dynasty (960-1279)
Glazed ceramic
Gift of Anne and Long Shung Shih
…
Teacup (Jian Zhan)
Teacup (Jian Zhan)
Song dynasty (960-1279)
Glazed ceramic
Gift of Anne and Long Shung Shih
…
Teacup (Jian Zhan) Song dynasty (960-1279) Glazed ceramic Gift of Anne and Long Shung Shih 2018.13.1

Teacup (Jian Zhan)

ClassificationsFurnishings-Serviceware-drinking vessels-teacups
Date960-1279 CE
Made AtFujian Province, China, Asia
Collection SiteTaiwan, Asia
MediumGlazed ceramic
Dimensions2 × 4 7/8 × 4 7/8 in. (5.1 × 12.4 × 12.4 cm)
Credit LineGift of Anne and Long Shung Shih
Object number2018.13.1
DescriptionThis object is a teacup made during the Song dynasty. Its vernacular name, jian zhan, is composed of zhan (small bowl) and jian, which indicates it came from Jian’an or Jianyang village, where this type of glazeware was invented.

The fervor for specialized tea ceremonies began in the Song dynasty and marks the first emergence of ceremonial tea ware. Previously, wine vessels had been reused for tea. Elaborate tea competitions were practiced and enjoyed by everyone, from the elite to the poor.

At this time, tea was ground into a fine powder and pressed into cakes. The cake was then dissolved into a cup with hot water and whisked, comparable to modern day matcha. The best tea was very frothy and white and maintained its foam, so blackware pottery was preferred because it provided the best visual contrast. The thickness of the bowl also retains heat and keeps the drink warmer longer.

This cup’s thin lines of black and brown glaze are a style called "hare’s fur". The unique design is brought forth by the glaze reacting in the kiln due to varied levels of iron oxide on the surface, causing the excess oxygen to separate itself from the rest of the glaze and produces this striking pattern.
On View
On view
Collections
Tea Urn, mid to late 19th Century
Unknown manufacturer; United States of America
Silver plate…
mid to late 19th Century
Sugar Bowl with Lid, mid to late 19th Century	      
Unknown manufacturer; United States of Am…
mid to late 19th Century
Court Robe, Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)
China
Silk and satin; 52 x 44 1/2 in.
18404
Gift of Mi…
1644-1911
Lacquer Box, mid-late 20th Century 
China   
Lacquer and pigment; 3 1/8 x 12 3/8 in.
2014.9.…
mid-late 20th Century
Snuff Container, early 20th Century
China
Ivory and pigment; 3 × 2 1/4 × 1 1/8 in.
2010.6.8a…
early 20th Century
Qingbai Ware Bowl
Southern Song dynasty (1127-1279)
Glazed ceramic
Anonymous Gift
2005.42.1
1127-1279 CE
Cizhou Ware Vase (Meiping)
Northern Song (960-1127)
Glazed and carved ceramic
Loan Courtesy …
960-1127 CE
Chrysanthemum Petal Bowl
Song dynasty (960-1279)
Glazed ceramic
Gift of Carroll and Susanne …
960-1279 CE
Covered Vase (Meiping)
Xuande period, Ming dynasty (1426-1435)
Glazed ceramic
Loan Courtesy …
1426-1435 CE
Cizhou Ware Jar
Yuan to Ming dynasty (1279-1644)
Glazed ceramic
Gift of James Corona
2000.6…
1279-1644 CE