Making Process

Steps to Make a Chinese Jian Zhan Tea Cup

1. Kneading the Clay: Kneading is the first step in making a Jian Zhan. High-quality clays like kaolin and purple clay are selected, then kneaded to remove air bubbles, ensuring a fine and even texture that is easier to work with for shaping.

2. Throwing the Clay: Throwing is the process of shaping the clay into the desired cup shape, usually done by hand or on a potter’s wheel. This technique helps control the size, shape, and thickness of the cup, ensuring uniformity.

3. Stamping the Clay: Stamping involves creating patterns or textures on the surface of the thrown clay. This step adds artistic details and uniqueness to the teacup, enhancing its visual appeal.

4.  Trimming the Clay: Trimming, or "lipei," refers to the process of refining the shape and thickness of the teacup after it has been thrown. The excess clay is shaved off, ensuring smoothness and precision in the final form.

5. Sun-Drying the Clay: Sun-drying the clay is a natural drying process where the formed cups are placed under the sun to dry for several days. This step ensures that the moisture in the clay evaporates, preventing cracks or breakage in the firing process.

6.  Engraving Patterns: After the clay has dried, delicate patterns or designs are engraved onto the surface of the teacup. This step is usually done by hand, adding further artistic value and uniqueness to the piece.

7. Applying Glaze: Glazing involves applying a special glaze to the teacup’s surface. Jian Zhan glazes, such as "rabbit-hair glaze" and "oil-drop glaze," are known for their distinctive effects. The glaze must be applied evenly to ensure a smooth, flaw-free finish.

8. Firing in the Kiln: Firing is the process of heating the glazed teacup in a kiln at temperatures ranging from 1200°C to 1300°C. The high heat melts the glaze, giving it its unique finish. Precise temperature and atmosphere control are crucial to ensuring the quality of the finished teacup.

9. Hand-Painting: After firing, the teacup can undergo hand-painting for further decoration. Special ceramic pigments are used to add colors or designs, which are then fixed in a final round of firing.