JianZhan teacups are truly beautiful: understated yet full of hidden detail, their glaze is a work of art. Their shape may be minimalist, but there’s nothing minimalist about the impact they have:

It’s no wonder that they are so highly prized! But how much do you really know about your collection of JianZhan teacups? To many of us, they are as mysterious as the patterns they hide in their glaze! With that in mind, here are five fascinating facts about Tenmoku teacups:

1. No Two Teacups Are the Same

JianZhan teacups are not only prized for their beauty but for their unique variability: no two tea cups are the same. The glaze that covers each cup or bowl is made from feldspar, limestone, and iron oxide, and the combination of these chemicals mean that the quicker a piece is cooled, the blacker the glaze will be. During the heating and cooling process it is almost impossible to predict how the myriad of variables will influence the finished result of the glaze, leaving you with a teacup that is entirely, and impressively, unique to you.

2. The origin of the name of Jianzhan
   

Jianzhan originated from Jian'an Prefecture in Fujian during the Song Dynasty. The character 'Jian' is directly taken from the first character of the place name 'Jian'an Prefecture' or 'Jianan'. This is a very common naming method for Chinese artifacts, which is 'place of origin + artifact'.

3. JianZhan Teacups Are Highly Prized

Southern Song Jian Kiln Oil Spot Cup with Narrow Mouth are considered to be amongst the most highly prized types of JianZhan tea bowls in the world, and they are incredibly sought after pieces by ceramic collectors. Only three Yohen JianZhan tea bowls remain in the world. In 2016, one of these three tea bowls was valued at 78279690 CNY (thats around $11701000) which means that, taking inflation into account, it would be worth $30 million today! Of course, whilst not all JianZhan teacups will cost millions of dollars, it is a great indicator of just how prized these beautiful pieces really are.

4. JianZhan Teacups Come in Many Colours

When they were first created, the original JianZhan teacups were produced in dark shades and with the darkest possible glazes. This is because it was felt that the darker colour of the cup was best suited to show off the lighter colour of the tea that was being blended within. Now, thousands of years later, darker cups in shades of brown and blue remain the most popular. But it is possible to purcase a Tenmoku teacup in many colours, including red, green, orange and even yellow.

5. A Shared Chinese and Japanese Culture

JianZhan teacups are an integral part of history and culture in both China and Japan. It is believed that in 1406 the Yongle Emperor (1360–1424) of the Ming dynasty sent ten Jian ware bowls to the shōgun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu of Japan, where they became highly prized goods. And with their beauty, mysterious glaze, and charming appeal, it’asy to see why they attract everyone who sees them.