"If you gaze long into an abyss, the abyss also gazes into you," Nietzsche once wrote. But fear not—staring into the depths of this cup won’t spark an existential crisis. Instead, you’ll find yourself captivated by its deep blue glaze, known as 蓝麒麟 (lan qi lin), meaning Blue Qilin. This name comes from the mythical Qilin, a legendary creature in Chinese folklore symbolizing peace, prosperity, and wisdom—qualities that seem to emanate from this vessel.

Crafted in the Jianzhan tradition, this cup carries a legacy dating back to the Northern Song Dynasty (960–1127), a style that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. The unique high-temperature firing process creates intricate, shimmering glaze patterns that blend dark undertones with luminous highlights. More than just a work of art, this cup excels in heat retention, making it both a functional and mesmerizing piece to enhance your tea experience.

For another Jianzhan style, check our Oil-drops Jianyang cup.

Written by Simone