Name: Ruoshen Kungfu Teacup
Brand: Taiwu Gallery
SKU: BK24-TC03-B01
Price: 459.00 USD
Availability: InStock

Jingdezhen Qinghua Painted Antique Porcelain Kungfu Teacup BestCeramics

Ruoshen Kungfu Teacup

$459.00 USD

Ruoshen Kungfu Teacup

$459.00 USD

Estimated shipping and regional duties may apply,

A Quiet Relic for Focused Sips

Some objects don’t need to be perfect to feel right.

This late Qing Dynasty Ruoshen-style Gongfu teacup carries the grace of time—light, restrained, and intimate. The Ruoshen form is revered in Gongfu tea culture for its ability to concentrate aroma while its thin walls respond instantly to temperature.Discovered in an antique market, its hand-painted butterflies drift among flowers in classic underglaze blue, soft and unforced. At just 30ml, it invites slower tea, closer attention, and a more personal ritual.

This is not a museum piece.
It is meant to be held.

How It Feels

Lightness, Time, and Patina

The cup is slightly out of round—a trace of hand and fire—but the balance feels natural in the palm. Its subtle asymmetry is the signature of a hand-thrown past—a relic that breathes.The thin porcelain warms quickly, encouraging small, mindful sips typical of traditional Gongfu tea.

Kevin added a silver rim (KOU ) to protect the mouth and extend its daily life. Over time, the silver has oxidized into a deep, dark tone, blending quietly with the antique surface. Prefer brightness? A gentle polish will return its original metallic sheen.

Butterflies move lightly across the glaze.
The cup feels calm, unhurried—like tea before conversation begins.

Why It’s Different

Built to Be Used, Not Preserved

Ruoshen Form
Ultra-light body and small volume heighten aroma and clarity with each sip.
Late Qing Underglaze Blue
Soft, flowing brushwork—elegant but unpretentious.
Silver-Rimmed Mouth (KOU)
Added for daily use and longevity, now naturally aged with character.
High-Value, Non-Collectible
Historically grounded, emotionally rich—without the pressure of “don’t touch.”

Ideal For

Gongfu tea sessions
Oolong, Rock Tea, Aged White Tea
Collectors who drink their tea
Quiet mornings, focused tastings, personal rituals

Built for Daily Use

Thin but resilient antique porcelain
Silver rim protects the lip during regular use
Minor deformation is part of its history, not a flaw
Each piece carries subtle variations from time and hand

Size

Height: 3.2 cm
Diameter: 6.2 cm
Capacity: ~30 ml

Founder’s Note

“I didn’t add the silver rim to make it ‘better.’
I added it so this cup could continue living—on a tea table, not in a box.”
— Kevin

This Ruoshen cup doesn’t chase perfection.
It rewards attention, patience, and use—sip by sip

Styled With

FAQ

Kintsugi (金缮／金繕) is a traditional Japanese technique of repairing broken pottery by filling cracks and breaks with lacquer and decorating them with powdered metal (gold, silver, etc.). Instead of hiding damage, it highlights the “scars” as part of the piece’s history and beauty.

Chinese lacquer, known as Da Qi, is a natural resin extracted from the lacquer tree. It forms a durable surface with a soft, glowing finish and is used for repairing ceramics or creating handcrafted trays, jewelry, and decorative pieces.

Yes — if repaired using traditional urushi lacquer and real metal powder (gold or silver), the piece can be food‑ and drink‑safe.

However: avoid exposing it to extreme heat (microwave, oven), and avoid dishwasher or strong cleaners — these can damage lacquer or metal surfaces.

Absolutely. We strictly use natural lacquer to bond ceramics, without any fast-drying glue.

Follow these rules for best longevity:

Hand‑wash only with soft sponge or cloth and mild detergent / warm water.
Rinse thoroughly, dry immediately with soft cloth — avoid soaking or leaving water too long.
Never use dishwasher, microwave, oven, or expose to abrupt temperature changes.
Avoid abrasive sponges, hard brushes, bleach, acidic or alkaline cleaners, and sharp cutlery against repaired lines — to prevent scratching or damaging the lacquer/metal finish.

Not all broken ceramics are suitable for Kintsugi. The technique works best when the fragments fit together neatly and the base material and glaze are compatible with lacquer adhesion. Extremely thin pieces, severely shattered ceramics, or surfaces with glaze that resists bonding may not be reliably repaired using traditional Kintsugi. Experienced practitioners recommend carefully assessing each piece before attempting restoration.

In addition, some modern “quick fixes” using epoxy resin or other artificial materials, while convenient, generally do not adhere to traditional standards and are not recommended for vessels intended for food or drink.

Traditional Kintsugi using urushi lacquer can last a very long time if properly cured and maintained — many preserved works have endured for decades, even centuries. If the lacquer layer degrades due to wear, chemical exposure, or extreme environmental conditions, experienced artisans can re‑lacquer or restore the piece. This ability to be repaired and renewed is one reason why Kintsugi is considered a sustainable and regenerative art form.

Yes — raw, uncured urushi lacquer (urushiol) can irritate the skin or trigger allergic reactions, much like poison ivy. Many traditional craftsmen recommend wearing gloves, long sleeves, and working in a well-ventilated space when handling uncured lacquer.

Once the lacquer is fully cured and sealed, lacquerware is generally safe for everyday use. However, if you have known sensitivities to natural resins, it’s wise to exercise caution or choose pieces that are professionally treated and clearly marked as food-safe.

Yes. Kintsugi embodies the philosophy of repair, reuse, and respect for objects. Instead of discarding broken pottery, it transforms damage into beauty, extending the life of items and reducing waste. This aligns with sustainable living ideals and adds unique historical/aesthetic value.