Handmade "Bamboo Hat" Jianzhan Tenmoku Tea Cup

Jian ware (also known as Jian Zhan or Tian Mu Porcelain) is Chinese Black Porcelain originating from Jianyang, Fujian province.  In the Song Dynasty's "The Record of Tea" it was said about Jian Zhan: "Tea is of light color and looks best in black cups. The cups made at Jianyang are bluish-black in color, marked like the fur of a hare. Being of rather thick fabric, they retain the heat so that when once warmed through they cool very slowly, and they are additionally valued on this account. None of the cups produced at other places can rival these. Blue and white cups are not used by those who give tea-tasting parties."  The Jian Zhan Tea Cup is the pinnacle of Black Porcelain. It saw its rise during the Song Dynasty. This pottery style was studied in depth by Japanese potters for use during Japanese tea ceremonies, known as Chanoyu. While in China this pottery style was lost, it continued flourishing in Japan, where it became a national treasure. The style is referred to as Tenmoku in J