105ml Zen Series Ruyao Champion Teacup 汝窑悟道杯

I like Ru with cracks. The one I got (type B) is very minimal. Of course type B emphasizes on the gradation dripping effect from the top of the cup instead of the cracks. This cup is an art piece and functionally an acquired taste. Thinking about it I should probably have gotten another piece to make a set.

This piece has a brilliant glazing that’s surely the star of the show here - the “dripping” effect and slight translucence gives this piece a very organic, fluid feel to it. The glazing is thin in some areas on the inside and it makes this piece feel very natural, even with the glazing. It feels comfortable in the hand and its shape has a sense of elegance to it; there’s a lot going on, and it’s all tied together very well.

Whether or not this cup is worth $329 is really up to the person purchasing, so i won’t touch on that in this review. It does not magically make your tea taste better by any means.

However, it meets all the criteria for a nice cup, and exceeds any extra criteria I look for in one I deem a work of art.

First and foremost, the basic criteria this meets - it’s comfortable to hold, pleasing to drink from, holds heat well, and presents the tea well.

The added bonuses that make this cup unique - the glazing is impeccable and the change in the glaze’s thickness from the rim to the foot give it a neat gradient, the cup a very fluid appearance to it. This cup feels as if it’s in “movement”. This same gradient paired with the glaze the studio uses also gives this cup a stunning texture that’s both refined and rustic simultaneously.

I really enjoy this piece. It’s a pleasure to look at and a pleasure to use. I look forward to seeing how it crazes and stains over time.