Where was this made?

[gingkoseto]

The photos of this listing by the same seller shows a similar looking black dot on several pieces of the set.

http://tinyurl.com/ykxrh8t

If it's just like what the photos show, I believe it's quite normal. First of all I don't think it's anything dangerous, just small imperfection which is commonly seen on traditionally made celadon (besides tiny black dots, there may be little dent as showed in one of the pictures and sometimes tiny bubbles). Ru kiln style is featured by jade-like texture and long veins, and these features make even small imperfections stand out. Of course the fewer imperfection, the higher grade it is and hence more expensive. But I don't think it's a bad thing to have some small imperfect character on your tea ware, as long as they are not too big or too many.

[IPT]

Those little dots are caused by iron in the glaze. Some artisans intentially put it in their pieces for artistic effect, but most people in China find them undesirable, so the pieces without any are considered of higher quality.

[conter]

I had a much better look and found another noticeable black dot on the bottom. There are a couple other very small ones on the sides too. After closer examination they do look very much like little black holes or popped bubbles (definitely no splinter), and all can be felt when running a finger over them. I'm glad there's no danger, Iron (oxide right?) sounds cool enough to me. All said, I'm still in love and looking forward to drinking from it tomorrow morning!

IPT, could it be said that the cup Dragon Tea House was advertising (as per the photos) was higher quality than the one I received? If this is a worthy idea I may speak to them about it.

I bought a few other things from Dragon Tea House that arrived with the cup. I'll post some photos later, in case anyone's interested.

I say it again, but sure mean it; thanks for the help!

[Chip]

Of course photos are always of interest!

[IPT]

It's all a matter of personal taste. Like I said, some artisans actually want to have the effect. I personally don't mind them. I think it makes the piece unique. I have a lot of Ru Kiln Ware and usually pick out the ones with the iron spots. So I would say to enjoy your beautiful cup.

[conter]

So I would say to enjoy your beautiful cup.

I will do exactly that

Attached some photos below. Couldn't work the camera to capture the cicada wings tho! The gaiwan's 150ml, which is perfect for me and the cup. The few leaves you can see on the first photo are a Huangshan Mao Feng.

This is my first tea hardware purchase, and I'm pretty sure I've gone and got myself hooked..

[Serg]

Nice photos! I'm waiting for a couple of smaller DongDao cups too I like the smooth glaze of Ru celadon.

[conter]

Thanks Serg. I really am enjoying drinking from it, like you say, smooth! And also very solid. It's as if one were drinking from a smooth carved out stone.

[Ritva]

I read the website and it is actually quite interesting. The first link leads to articles about the company and the history of Ru Kiln Ware. The middle link talks about their products and the bottom Link talks about the company and how to care for your piece.

What kind of advice do they give for the care of celadon pieces? I've been wondering if celadon should be treated like Hagi ware: no detergents. I know celadon is not as porous as Hagi but since the glaze has crackles I've thought that detergents are not good.

[Chip]

I would think presoaking before each use might slow the darkening of the crackling of some celadon. Or might not.

But I generally would not use detergents on them. Or anything that could impart flavor or aroma.

[Geekgirl]

love the tea tray!

[conter]

Ritva, I found translations of the instructions on this listing: http://tinyurl.com/yfc7zy8
They sell a different line to Dragon Tea House.

I haven't used any detergents on mine, but I do warm/ soak it for a couple minutes before each use with near boiling water.

Thanks Geekgirl, it's the perfect size for the little free space I have!

[steanze]

Hi all! Thanks for the helpful information.

@IPT: given that the cups of hengfu are mid-range, which ones would be high-range? Do you know of any links to online shops selling those just to have an idea?

Thanks,
stefano