Ding Kiln White Porcelain Gaiwan - Lotus-Leaf-Shaped

Essential Info

Artistic Insight

This exquisite gaiwan, known as the “Lotus Under Moonlight Gaiwan,” features an elegant lotus leaf design and intricate white porcelain embossing, showcasing the sophistication and nobility of Song Dynasty Ding Kiln craftsmanship. The gaiwan’s flowing lines and jade-like porcelain base are complemented by delicately embossed lotus leaf patterns, as if a blooming lotus is standing gracefully. In Eastern culture, the lotus symbolizes purity, wisdom, and transcendence, while its exquisite embossed design adds a three-dimensional beauty, allowing one to almost feel the resilience and vitality of the lotus leaves.

The gaiwan’s symmetrical and refined shape, with its wide and rounded mouth, accommodates a 170 ml capacity, making it ideal for brewing and sharing various types of tea. The lid’s thoughtfully designed knob is both distinctive and easy to hold, reflecting the harmonious relationship between the user and the vessel. Whether used daily or displayed as part of a tea ceremony, this gaiwan exudes an understated elegance and charm.

The “Lotus Under Moonlight Gaiwan” is crafted from high-quality white porcelain clay, drawing inspiration from the traditional techniques of the Song Dynasty Ding Kiln while incorporating modern craftsmanship. Renowned for being “as white as jade, as thin as paper, and with a sound like a chime,” Ding Kiln porcelain is celebrated for its refined, jade-like glaze and delicate form. This gaiwan continues that legacy, with its porcelain texture glowing with warmth and its lightweight design offering ease of use. The embossed lotus leaf patterns are meticulously hand-carved by artisans, with flowing and natural lines that showcase exquisite details and masterful craftsmanship.

The high-temperature firing process endows the gaiwan with exceptional durability and stability while creating a translucent and glossy glaze that perfectly embodies the signature softness of Ding Kiln porcelain. This gaiwan is not just a functional tea vessel but also a collectible piece infused with artistic value.

According to legend, the founder of Ding Kiln often meditated by a lotus pond late at night, observing the mesmerizing interplay of lotus flowers and moonlight. One evening, he saw a lotus leaf gently swaying in the moonlit breeze, with ripples reflecting the flower’s image in the shimmering water—a serene yet dynamic scene. Deeply moved, he resolved to incorporate the essence of the lotus into his porcelain creations, thus creating white porcelain vessels inspired by lotus leaf patterns.

This tradition has been carried forward to the present day, as modern artisans reimagine the Ding Kiln lotus leaf design, giving rise to the “Lotus Under Moonlight Gaiwan.” This piece embodies a profound appreciation of nature’s beauty and the meditative spirit of Zen, making it an artistic treasure that reflects history and culture through the passage of time.

The “Lotus Under Moonlight Gaiwan” is more than just a practical tea vessel; it is a refined and artistic object. On the tea table, it symbolizes composure and elegance, enriching the tea-drinking experience with a deep cultural resonance. Whether as a gift for loved ones or for personal collection, this gaiwan’s subtle and timeless beauty makes it a cherished companion for tea lovers. With this gaiwan, one can brew tea while admiring the purity of the lotus and the ethereal beauty of moonlit waters, finding tranquility and poetry in the art of living.