At Orienta, we take pride in preserving the traditional craftsmanship of Jian Zhan tea cups. Each step in our process reflects the dedication and expertise of our artisans, ensuring that every cup is a masterpiece of heritage and skill. Below is a detailed breakdown of our 13-step crafting process:
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Clay Selection
The key to an exceptional Jian Zhan lies in the quality of its clay and glaze, which must have a high iron content. While many have attempted to replicate Jian Zhan since the Song Dynasty, the unique mineral composition required for this craft is found only in select regions. -
Crushing
The selected clay and glaze are placed in specialized machines for thorough pulverization, ensuring a fine and even texture. -
Washing and Sieve
The clay and glaze are refined to achieve the ideal consistency. The clay is carefully sieved and placed into a slurry tank, while the glaze is stored separately in a glaze pool for further processing. -
Chen Fu
A crucial stage in ceramic making, Chen Fu involves storing the clay in a temperature- and humidity-controlled environment, away from sunlight and air. This allows the material to stabilize before further processing. -
Knead the Clay
The clay is kneaded thoroughly to remove air bubbles and impurities. This step ensures uniform moisture distribution, making the clay denser and more malleable while preventing cracks or deformation during shaping. -
Shaping
The clay is carefully molded into shape, using either traditional hand-shaping techniques or precision machine-assisted shaping. -
Modification
The signature Jian Zhan shape features a shallow circular foot. Skilled artisans refine the base and inner ring of the foot using specialized knives, ensuring perfect proportions and balance. -
Kiln the Unglazed Jian Zhan
The unglazed tea cups undergo an initial firing process. This step enhances the mechanical strength of the clay and removes fragile or defective pieces before further refinement. -
Blend Glaze
The glaze used in Jian Zhan is created from a traditional blend of natural iron ore and plant ash. These simple yet powerful ingredients contribute to the cup’s unique crystalline patterns, a hallmark of authentic Jian Zhan craftsmanship. -
Glazed
One of the defining features of Jian Zhan is its half-glazed technique. Skilled artisans apply the glaze with precision, ensuring an optimal thickness for crystal formation. If too thin, the glaze will not develop its characteristic texture; if too thick, it may adhere unevenly to the bottom of the cup. -
Put into the Kiln
Before firing, a layer of alumina powder is carefully applied to the bottom of each cup. This prevents sticking and ensures a smooth, flawless base. -
Kiln and Fire the Jian Zhan
Firing is the most critical phase of the process. The kiln master must expertly control temperature, firing duration, and reduction conditions to achieve the desired glaze effects. Even the slightest variation can impact the final appearance of the cup. -
Finishing Kiln
Once firing is complete, each Jian Zhan is carefully inspected. Due to the complexity of the process, some pieces may have imperfections and must be discarded. Only those that pass rigorous quality control are selected for sale, ensuring that every Orienta Jian Zhan meets the highest standards of craftsmanship.
Our commitment to tradition and quality means that every Orienta Jian Zhan is not just a tea cup, but a work of art. Explore our collection and experience the timeless beauty of handcrafted ceramics.
