Springtime is also time of renewal and new offerings in the pottery studios of Taiwan. We paid a visit to Bai Zong-Ping to replenish our popular Beauties Cups and this new design caught our eye. The size and shape is similar to all of Bai's hand-painted series but this design signals a departure from the black-speckled outer glaze with a celadon-inspired translucent jade colour over a hand-engraved foliage motif. The result is very appealing as the relief of the engraving appears in a lighter shade as it was the trend during the Song Dynasty (960 to 1279). The inside of the cup is also beautifully decorated in blue and red ink with a carp fish pattern. Made from the highest quality porcelain, the hand-painted inside surface received an additional high-gloss top glaze. The shape of cups is also most pleasant with a nice taper and gentle flare at the rim. Despite the traditional inspiration, Master Bai's treatment and style remains contemporary and lively and fit with many tea settings. Needless to say, these are unique items, signed by the artist, and proudly handcrafted in Taiwan.