Wood Fired Rose Gold Lidded Cup / Gaiwan / Handmade by Xiaopingfan

A lidded cup, an essential vessel for the discerning tea connoisseur, embodying the very essence of their aesthetic lifestyle. Adorned with gold accents, this lidded cup captures the essence of nature within its form. Whether reflected in the tea or dancing in the light, its presence is truly captivating. For the dedicated tea practitioner, the pursuit extends beyond a mere cup of tea, encompassing a moment of inner tranquility and profound self-reflection. With a capacity of 200cc, this lidded cup invites you to experience the gentle warmth of the craftsmanship and the rich aroma of the tea. The beauty of life gently unfolds, starting with a single piece of tea ware. In 2023, two artists from the Xiaopingfan Pottery Studio, Chen Shiping and Wang Yu-fan, were honored with excellence awards for their submissions to the 5th Shanghai International Wood Fired Ceramics Competition. Your support fuels our continued passion for creation. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53341561855_249c0591a6_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53341437984_c608c50771_c.jpg 2023 Media coverage documenting the lean startup journey of Xiaopingfan Art. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53341329978_bb6984d457_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53341561785_f553253a82_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53341329968_8834731df8_c.jpg The works from Xiaopingfan Pottery Studio are not mass-produced. Each creation originates from a unique concept, imbued with life through the process of hand-building or wheel-throwing. Every piece is truly one-of-a-kind. Our creations are a collaborative effort between my husband and I, hence the signatures "Ping" or "Fan," and some pieces also bear the "Xiaopingfan Pottery Studio" seal. Each one is unique! https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51567264550_68d52fdae8_b.jpg **1. What is the origin of the work?** We primarily utilize clays from the United States, Japan, and Miaoli, Taiwan, for our creations. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51567015014_0b15931da0_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51565549942_7663197885_h.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51567015039_4c2a9b80e3_c.jpg **2. What is the wood-firing process?** Clays from the U.S., Japan, and Miaoli are mixed in varying proportions and shaped meticulously by hand (not on a pottery wheel). After basic forming, the clay body's lines are refined and polished before completion of the greenware. Once in the kiln, the pieces undergo a five-day, four-night continuous wood-firing process using natural lychee and acacia wood. The temperature reaches over 1200 degrees Celsius. During this time, natural ash deposits adhere to the works, forming a unique ash glaze. Simultaneously, the flame patterns within the kiln dance across the pieces, creating beautiful orange-red or blue-purple fire marks. Following five days and four nights of ash and flame interplay, a week of cooling is required before a piece reveals its final, exquisite form! As the kiln atmosphere varies with each firing, the ash deposits and flame marks on each piece will never be identical, ensuring that every creation is utterly unique. https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51567015104_1eec785177_b.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51567264535_7bd0037e60_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51565533012_fdce6d65a3_h.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51566346721_2b98f539f8_c.jpg **3. What should distinguished guests be aware of?** Product colors may vary slightly due to photographic lighting. As each piece is handmade, it will bear the subtle traces of the crafting process. Minor variations may also occur due to the firing process, such as slight imperfections in the rim or minor crafting marks, which are considered normal and do not affect usability. Your understanding is greatly appreciated! https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51565533097_13ea71a377_c.jpg https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51565533012_219eca4133_c.jpg **4. Xiaopingfan Art's Recent Competition and Exhibition Credentials** 2023 Media coverage documenting the lean startup journey of Xiaopingfan Art. 2023 Selected for the 5th Shanghai International Wood Fired Ceramics Competition with "Antelope Pair" and "White Monkey Censer." 2023 中華民國陶藝協會「陶塑·溯陶」Member Exhibition. 2022 "Xin Tao Award" Excellence Award for New Ceramic Studios. 2022 "Xin Tao Award" Outstanding Individual Award for Ceramic Innovation. 2022 中華民國陶藝協會 "Shining Bright" Joint Exhibition. 2022 Yilan Art Exhibition, Photography Category Selection: "Peng Spreading Its Wings." 2022 中華民國陶藝協會 "Brilliant" Joint Exhibition. 2021 Miaoli Ceramics Art Festival Competition, Wood Fired Category: Honorable Mention for "Cattle Colliding." 2021 Selected for the 4th Shanghai International Wood Fired Ceramics Competition with three pieces: "Extreme Joy and Tears," "Dancing with Sheep," and "Flock of Sheep." 2021 Miaoli Ceramics Association, Bureau of Cultural Affairs Joint Exhibition. 2020 Miaoli Ceramics Museum "Yi Yun" Joint Exhibition. 2020 Miaoli Ceramics Art Festival Ceramics Museum Exhibition. **Artists: Chen Shiping, Wang Yu-fan**