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Da Bai's Midnight Blue Porcelain Kyusu Teapot, 120 ml
This exquisite Japanese-style kyusu pot blends simple modern lines to the classic designs that were brought to Taiwan during the Japanese colonial years. It is the work of Da Bai, the eldest sibling of the Bai Mu Quan family and, you will have guessed, the older brother of Xiao Bai that we feature extensively on Taiwan Tea Crafts. We are happy to finally give him more space on our site through the release of many items that were produced during the pandemic. There's definitely a family style that is recognizable between the 2 brothers and their use of porcelain as their material of choice. The precision in their craftsmanship is simply stunning considering the challenges of working with porcelain as their material of choice. Da Bai's use of different textures, like the gently layered outer-surface of the pot's body resulting from the glazing technique is used in a subtle way that is both appropriate to the shape of the piece and gives an added texture in the tone of the finish. The execution is flawless as can be expected from the Bai brothers. From the shaping and positioning of the handle and the spout down to the dish of the flat lid which fits snuggly into its recessed area; everything inspires perfection. The wall thickness is thin and even all throughout the body and lid. The spout is short with a fine opening more akin to the Chinese style of pouring directly Ito the cup. A full capacity pour out of 120 ml of water was timed at 12 seconds. A white glaze was applied to the inside of the pot's body, lid and even inside the spout. The lid's seat was left bare. The outer finish is the result of brushing different colours onto the pot just like a painter mixes his oils onto a canvas. This is a difficult operation as an uneven thickness can result into the glaze melting off the pot during firing. This pot, like all of the other Midnight Blue finished items we propose, is an example of a perfectly mastered technique. This unique item is signed by the artist and proudly handcrafted in Taiwan. If you consider the volume of the recommended pitcher below too similar for this pot and require a bit more volume, you can consider the larger 200 ml Midnight Blue Scalloped Tea Pitcher.