Hand-Painted Year of the Dragon Tea Cup, Leaping over the Dragon Gate Design, 125 ml

Since a few years now, renowned Taiwanese artist Bai Zong-Ping creates yearly series that play around the animal that symbolizes the Chinese zodiac. This year in 2024 it is the year of the dragon. We propose 6 different designs that depict the mythical animal as the purveyor of traditional New Year wishes. This particular one shows a red carp transforming into a dragon as it leaps over the Dragon Gate – this image is an old and enduring Chinese cultural symbol for courage, perseverance, and accomplishment. Yu-Wen, our Master Tea Maker raves about Master Bai’s cups, 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 their unique and lively drawings. 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. Made from the highest quality porcelain, the hand-painted inside surface received an additional high-gloss top glaze. Please note that this year’s cups are a little larger than the previous year’s. The general shape and gently tapered lip remains the same but it is proposed in a 125 ml size. Also, the top glaze crazing is intentional and will render a nicely veined appearance with time. The outer surface features white engraved stylized scriptures on a black speckled glaze. Needless to say, these are unique limited items, signed by the artist, and proudly handcrafted in Taiwan.