Foshou Cup

Cute yet refined, the round lip of these ecru teacups have been given a fivefold indentation, creating the petaled outline of a plum blossom. Like the other light-colored ceramics in this series from artist Zhang Xue, the exterior has been given a slightly bubbly, citrus-peel-like glaze, while the interior is smooth to the touch, and though there is a nod to a natural motif, the design is clean, well-formed, and modern. But, most ingenious of subtleties, a little indentation in the bottom, unremarkable before using, retains the last bit of tea like a pool of nectar—and encourages sipping the final drops.

About the artist

We encountered Zhang Xue through her work, a pair of gaiwans that left an impression while visiting Jingdezhen, and through a mutual contact have finally been able to obtain some of the very same pieces for our shop. Zhang Xue opened her own studio in Jingdezhen in 2011, soon after having completed her studies, and has since exhibited her work in Yunnan, Hangzhou, Jingdezhen, and Shanghai. The Foshou teaware is part of a series with emblems representing the ingredients of the Qianlong Emperor's favorite tisane, which he immortalized in poetry: Buddha's hand citrus, pignoli, and plum blossom, made with boiled water from fresh snow.