Tenmoku Leaf Artisan Tea Bowl

A Meditation in Porcelain

Holding a piece of Jian Zhan (Tenmoku) pottery is holding centuries of history. This Tenmoku Leaf Tea Bowl, crafted by the esteemed Hong Jianpeng, is more than a vessel—it is a meditation on transience, a tangible reflection of Wabi-sabi philosophy.

During the Song Dynasty, black-glazed bowls were treasured by emperors and Zen monks alike. Today, Master Hong continues this lineage, adding a deeply personal signature: a fused leaf within the glaze.

A real leaf—often a silkworm mulberry leaf—is carefully placed inside the bowl before firing. Under the intense heat of the kiln, the leaf’s organic matter burns away, leaving a delicate carbon skeleton embedded in the amber-black glaze. The veins, slight imperfections, and the leaf’s unique shape are permanently preserved, making every bowl truly one-of-a-kind.

The amber-black glaze mirrors the universe, while the leaf grounds you to the earth.

How It Feels

Quiet, Grounded, and Contemplative

• The bowl sits comfortably in your hand, with a balanced weight and tactile warmth
• Its rounded interior captures the aroma and color of fine teas, from Gongfu-style Oolong to frothy Matcha
• Each sip is enhanced by the visual poetry of the embedded leaf, connecting you to nature and impermanence
• A moment of mindfulness with every use, inviting stillness and presence

Why It’s Different

History, Craft, and Philosophy in One Bowl

• Song Dynasty inspiration: honors classic Jian Zhan traditions
• Embedded leaf: a natural, unrepeatable signature fused into the glaze
• Wabi-sabi aesthetic: celebrates imperfection and the beauty of transience
• Every piece is unique, a collectible for tea ritual rather than mere display

A real mulberry leaf, plucked in autumn, undergoes a 1300°C trial by fire. Its physical body vanishes, leaving only its golden spirit embedded in the glaze.

Built for Daily Rituals

• Perfect for high-end Oolong, Matcha, or your favorite Gongfu-style teas
• Durable Tenmoku glaze, made to withstand daily use
• Encourages mindful tea moments, meditation, and reflection
• Each bowl comes from curated artisan collections at BestCeramics.cn, insured and ready for use

A Bowl for Presence: The Tenmoku Leaf Tea Bowl is not just tea ware. It is a small, meditative experience—a daily reminder that, like the leaf within the glaze, beauty is fleeting, and the present moment is precious.