子砚《灵动几何》公道杯
This Gongdao (fairness) cup is part of Ziyan’s Living Geometry Series, a body of work that explores the balance between geometric form and the natural transformation of clay in the kiln.
The piece is made from white earthenware clay, with the body composed of a carefully balanced mixture of fine clay and coarse clay. The exterior surface is finished with engobe (cosmetic clay), a technique used throughout the series to create subtle variations in texture and tone. While most pieces in the series remain unglazed, the interior of this Gongdaobei is coated with a white glaze to facilitate the clear observation of the tea liquor.
All tea wares in this series undergo a high-temperature double-firing process. To explore the changes produced by different kiln conditions, each piece is first bisque fired, then returned to the kiln for a second firing. The initial firing takes place at 1285°C in an oxidation atmosphere. During the second firing, the pieces undergo reduction firing under varying conditions.
This secondary reduction process allows the natural color of the clay to react differently within the kiln, producing subtle tonal variations—ranging from lighter to deeper smoky hues—along with distinctive traces of flame and kiln atmosphere on the surface.
The piece is fired at high temperature without the use of low-temperature industrial lead-based materials, meeting safe usage standards for tea preparation. As the exterior surface is unglazed, it is recommended to avoid contact with oily substances.
Material: White earthenware clay (fine and coarse clay blend), engobe exterior, white glazed interior.
Technique: Engobe decoration, high-temperature double firing (oxidation and reduction).
子砚《灵动几何》公道杯
This Gongdao (fairness) cup is part of Ziyan’s Living Geometry Series, a body of work that explores the balance between geometric form and the natural transformation of clay in the kiln.
The piece is made from white earthenware clay, with the body composed of a carefully balanced mixture of fine clay and coarse clay. The exterior surface is finished with engobe (cosmetic clay), a technique used throughout the series to create subtle variations in texture and tone. While most pieces in the series remain unglazed, the interior of this Gongdaobei is coated with a white glaze to facilitate the clear observation of the tea liquor.
All tea wares in this series undergo a high-temperature double-firing process. To explore the changes produced by different kiln conditions, each piece is first bisque fired, then returned to the kiln for a second firing. The initial firing takes place at 1285°C in an oxidation atmosphere. During the second firing, the pieces undergo reduction firing under varying conditions.
This secondary reduction process allows the natural color of the clay to react differently within the kiln, producing subtle tonal variations—ranging from lighter to deeper smoky hues—along with distinctive traces of flame and kiln atmosphere on the surface.
The piece is fired at high temperature without the use of low-temperature industrial lead-based materials, meeting safe usage standards for tea preparation. As the exterior surface is unglazed, it is recommended to avoid contact with oily substances.
Material: White earthenware clay (fine and coarse clay blend), engobe exterior, white glazed interior.
Technique: Engobe decoration, high-temperature double firing (oxidation and reduction).
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