We introduced these cups back in late 2014 and they sold out instantly without any further information other than pictures! Their intriguing finish mesmerized more than a few back then and are sure to attract more followers now as we take the required time this year to pay homage to the unique talent of Master Zhuang, a reputed award-winning potter from Sun Moon Lake, with whom we have developed a unique working relationship fueled by friendship. These unique conical cups are hand-turned one by one and shaped to mimic the rounded pentagon shape of cherry blossoms (sakura). Keeping with the sakura theme, Master Zhuang glazes them with his trademark Sakura Glaze that adores many of his ceramic works. This secret technique involves a double layer of different glazes that will blend-in during the firing. An undercoat of deep green pigments intertwine with an overlay of off-white color with distinctive rose spots that glisten and shimmer as if the wind had struck cherry trees in the Taiwanese spring time. Do they make your tea taste better? Yuwen would certainly think so as she has adopted one of Master Zhuang’s cups as one of her favorite ones back in 2014. She particularly likes their thickness that insulates well. Since these cups are made one by one, slight variations in shape, size and colouring are to be expected. If you order more than one, we will match similar cups to make an homogenous set, as much as we can. Like all the work featured in our Handcrafted section, each item is made one by one and is signed and dated by the artist. Handmade in Taiwan.