This series of 6 hand-decorated tea cup designs by renowned Taiwanese artist Bai Zong-Ping. Yu-Wen, our Tea Master (in the feminine form of the word), has adopted one as her daily cup since and only raves about it; not only for its shape and finish which are flawless and most pleasant, but also for the textured outer black-speckled glaze that is so pleasant to hold and contrasts nicely with the high-gloss top-glaze that covers and protects Master Bai's unique and lively drawings. We've hesitated at length to introduce them because of their subject matter but, after meeting their creator again recently, it was very clear that his intent is to respectfully celebrate, as opposed to exploit, the female body. Bai Zong-Ping is not only is he a master potter in his own right, he is also an exceptionally gifted painter and sculptor with a lively and colourful palette. His canvases remain ceramic objects he crafts in the pure Taiwanese tradition of instilling beauty to useful objects. This series of 6 designs plays on the allegory of taking a bath in tea (which we highly recommend...) where six laying beauties are shown in different ways to enjoy the novelty of it. Made from the highest quality porcelain, the hand-painted inside surface received an additional high-gloss top glaze. The outer surface features white engraved stylized scriptures on a black speckled glaze. The shape of cups is also most pleasant with a nice taper and gentle flare at the rim. Needless to say, these are unique items, signed by the artist, and proudly handcrafted in Taiwan.