Connoisseur's Choice, Dark Silver Oil-Droplet Glaze Tied-Mouth Cup

This piece is crafted by Master Chun-Hua, Chen, an artisan known for their skill in creating such refined teaware.

Shape

• Form: This cup has a traditional "tied-mouth" (束口, shù kǒu) shape. The rim of the cup is narrow and slightly constricted, resembling the appearance of a tied mouth. This design helps in retaining the aroma and heat of the tea, enhancing the overall tea-drinking experience.
• Rim: The rim is narrow, contributing to the "tied-mouth" look, while the body is more rounded and wider, offering a stable and robust form.

Glaze

• Interior Glaze: The interior features a stunning silver oil spot pattern (銀油滴, yín yóu dī). This pattern consists of silver droplets scattered over a black background, creating a mesmerizing effect that is characteristic of high-quality Jian ware.
• Exterior Glaze: The exterior mirrors the interior's design with the silver oil spot pattern, providing a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing look.

Additional Features

• Base: The base is left unglazed, revealing the raw texture of the clay, which provides a contrast to the glossy glazed surfaces and adds to the rustic charm of the piece.

This tied-mouth teacup, with its intricate silver oil spot glaze, exemplifies traditional Chinese ceramic artistry. The combination of form and glaze not only makes it functional for tea drinking but also a beautiful piece of art to admire.