Have you ever been attracted by a seemingly simple tea cup that hides the stars of the universe within? This is the charm of Jian ware. It originates from the Song Dynasty and was the imperial tea vessel for the practice of tea whipping, and it is also the ancestor of the Japanese national treasure "Yobeyaki Tenmoku." Today, let’s put aside the fast-paced glass cups and step into the world of Jian ware together, learning how to brew a cup of tea that

 has 'soul'.Before understanding how to use it, let's first understand why Jianzhan is so special.

Jianzhan is made from clay with a very high iron content (commonly known as 'iron body'), resulting in a thick and heavy body, with a rich glaze. This gives it excellent heat retention properties, allowing it to keep the tea at a constant temperature for a long time, fully releasing the internal substances of the tea leaves.

On the black glaze surface of Jianzhan, beautiful patterns such as rabbit hair, oil spots, and changing colors will naturally emerge. Each pattern on a Jianzhai is formed by the kiln fire and is a one-of-a-kind artwork in the world.

The material of Jian Zhan can enhance the fragrance of tea, especially for rich styles like Pu'er tea, aged white tea, and Wuyi rock tea, making the tea soup softer and smoother, with a longer-lasting aroma.

How to use a Jianzhan: a four-step ritual from opening the bowl to tasting.

Firstly The newly purchased Jianzhan requires a gentle 'opening bowl' ritual. Use a soft cleaning cloth or a brand new soft-bristled toothbrush to gently wash the inside and outside of the bowl with clean water and toothpaste to remove dust and impurities caused by the kiln. Place the Jianzhan in a clean pot, add purified water, ensuring the water completely covers the bowl. Simmer on low heat until it boils, then turn off the heat after 5-10 minutes, allowing the Jianzhan to cool naturally in the pot. After it cools, you can boil it again and soak it with the tea you usually drink (it's recommended to use a mild tea, such as aged white tea). This process helps the Jian bowl adapt to the tea characteristics.

Secondly Before officially starting to brew tea, it is essential to rinse the Jian Zhan with boiling water.

Pour the boiling water into the Jian Zhan, filling it about 80% full.

 Gently swirl the Jian Zhan to allow the boiling water to fully contact the walls of the cup, then pour out the water.

This step not only cleans and disinfects but also raises the temperature of the Jian Zhan, preparing it for the hot tea and instantly enhancing the tea's aroma.

Finaly Pour the brewed tea into a warm Jian cup. The deep black glaze of the Jianzhan serves as the best 'background' for the tea. Place the Jianzhan under the light, tilt it at an angle, and observe the changing hues of the tea within the cup. The wine-red of Pu'er, the amber yellow of rock tea, and the clarity of green tea all appear exceptionally enchanting in the cup. Due to the Jianzhan cup's heat retention properties, the tea fragrance will continue to waft from the warm cup. Bringing your nose close to the rim, you can experience a more concentrated and layered aroma than that of a regular teacup. There is no need to rush to drink it all at once. The mouth of the Jian cup is typically flared outward, making it ideal for capturing aromas, while also facilitating sipping. Take small sips, allowing the tea to linger in your mouth, fully appreciating its smooth texture.

Jianzhan is not just a tea cup. It carries a thousand years of tea culture and embodies the ultimate aesthetic pursuit of the Song dynasty. Drinking tea from it is a sensory feast and a spiritual practice. In every contact between the tea and the wall of the cup, you can feel the sediment of time and the warmth of life. I hope this short article helps you begin a wonderful relationship with Jianzhan. Why not choose a Jianzhan that you like right now, brew a pot of good tea, and quietly experience that unique, tranquil, and profound tea time that belongs to you