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Hare’s Fur
Characteristics: Delicate, silky streaks in russet brown or silvery-gray, resembling the fine fur of a hare. The lines flow like moonlight under shifting light.
Formation: Iron oxides in the glaze crystallize during high-temperature firing, creating directional streaks under alternating oxidation and reduction in the kiln.
Aesthetic Essence: Praised by Song scholars as "jade-like strands," these patterns mirror the poetic rhythm of tea pouring, harmonizing with the vibrant green of matcha.
Oil Spot
Characteristics: Glossy metallic spots in silver or gold, scattered like oil droplets on water. The edges shimmer with an otherworldly glow, evoking a starry night.
Formation: Iron-rich glaze releases gas bubbles during firing. As bubbles burst, circular cavities form and refill with secondary crystallization, creating the "oil spots."
Aesthetic Essence: The density and layers of spots are seen as "kiln-born masterpieces," encapsulating the Taoist idea of "a universe within a bowl."
Yohen
Formation: A delicate balance of glaze thickness, temperature curves, and cooling speed causes light interference within multi-layered crystalline structures.
Cultural Status: Dubbed "a galaxy in a bowl," Japan’s national treasure Yohen Tenmoku originated from Jian Zhan techniques. A single piece can surpass $15 million, symbolizing the pinnacle of kiln alchemy.
Partridge Feather
Formation: Ash or minerals added to the glaze react with iron oxides at high temperatures, forming milky, opaque crystalline clusters.
Cultural Symbolism: Song tea classics describe it as "radiant gold when holding tea," evoking the wild beauty of mountain forests in a tea ceremony.
Pure Black Glaze
Technical Challenge: Requires precise control of glaze composition and kiln atmosphere; even minor errors cause grayish tones or cracks.
Aesthetic Philosophy: The ultimate simplicity. This glaze reflects the Song-era Zen tea ideal of "wabi-sabi" – finding perfection in imperfection.
WHY BUY FROM JIAN BOWL
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