Crafted from a pale, gently mottled ceramic, this deluxe gaiwan has been embellished in a unique way: the button on the lid has been replaced with a knob in the shape of the revered Buddha's hand citron (foshou, which also lends its name to a yan cha). The minuscule figure crowns the artist's other achievements, such as the appealing flare of the cup's lip, and a glaze with tiny bubbles, creating an exterior texture and lustre not unlike that of citrus skin, appropriately, while the inside remains smooth and easy to clean. This is a next-level gaiwan offering something special and playful, while remaining sturdy enough for everyday use.

About the artist

We encountered Zhang Xue through her work, a pair of gaiwans that left an impression while visiting Jingdezhen, and through a mutual contact have finally been able to obtain some of the very same pieces for our shop. Zhang Xue opened her own studio in Jingdezhen in 2011, soon after having completed her studies, and has since exhibited her work in Yunnan, Hangzhou, Jingdezhen, and Shanghai. The Foshou teaware is part of a series with emblems representing the ingredients of the Qianlong Emperor's favorite tisane, which he immortalized in poetry: Buddha's hand citrus, pignoli, and plum blossom, made with boiled water from fresh snow.