The form takes on an elegant yet powerful small-boat shape, inspired by wooden utensils traditionally used in the indigenous communities of southern China. The original vessel, about half a metre long, was likely used for grinding grains or medicines. Its clear and refined contours naturally lend themselves to gathering and pouring small pieces, such as loose tea leaves.
Yanchuan refined the proportions to suit modern tea use and the scale of contemporary tea scoops. During shaping, he worked entirely with traditional hand tools such as axes and carving knives, preserving the sharp and defined lines that give the piece its strength and clarity. For polishing, he avoided sandpaper, as it would remove the natural details and diminish the spirit of the wood. Instead, he used aged, softened tree bark to rub the surface with varied pressure. The bark compresses the fibres along the carved edges, creating a natural sheen and subtle texture. Through this process, the tea holder achieves both precision and warmth, embodying a quiet balance between simplicity and power.
Material: Teak Wood
Technique: Hand-carved, Rubbed Lacquer, Polished Surface with Tree Bark
The form takes on an elegant yet powerful small-boat shape, inspired by wooden utensils traditionally used in the indigenous communities of southern China. The original vessel, about half a metre long, was likely used for grinding grains or medicines. Its clear and refined contours naturally lend themselves to gathering and pouring small pieces, such as loose tea leaves.
Yanchuan refined the proportions to suit modern tea use and the scale of contemporary tea scoops. During shaping, he worked entirely with traditional hand tools such as axes and carving knives, preserving the sharp and defined lines that give the piece its strength and clarity. For polishing, he avoided sandpaper, as it would remove the natural details and diminish the spirit of the wood. Instead, he used aged, softened tree bark to rub the surface with varied pressure. The bark compresses the fibres along the carved edges, creating a natural sheen and subtle texture. Through this process, the tea holder achieves both precision and warmth, embodying a quiet balance between simplicity and power.
Material: Teak Wood
Technique: Hand-carved, Rubbed Lacquer, Polished Surface with Tree Bark
