The Eternal Vine: Doucai Intertwined Lotus Gaiwan

Hand-painted “Two-Fire” Porcelain | Master Chen Xiaoyong | 170ml

In the ritual of tea, the Sancai Gaiwan represents a miniature universe: the lid as Heaven, the saucer as Earth, and the bowl as Humanity. At ZENTAOEAST, we present this “Intertwined Lotus” Gaiwan as the definitive center-piece for your tea table—a vessel of profound balance that celebrates the infinite flow of life.

The Motif: A Symphony of Symmetry

This Gaiwan is adorned with the Xi Fan Lian (West Asian Lotus or Passion Flower motif), a pattern that reached its aesthetic peak during the Ming Dynasty.

• The Intertwined Grace: The “Chán Zhī” (intertwined vine) structure flows seamlessly across the lid, the bowl, and the expansive saucer. It is a visual metaphor for the interconnectedness of all things—an unbroken lineage of beauty and spirit.

• Exotic Origins: The West Asian Lotus, with its intricate petals and scrolling tendrils, represents the harmonious fusion of Eastern stillness and Western ornamental flair.

The Doucai Ritual: Born of Two Fires

Following the most rigorous tradition of the Chenghua era, this Gaiwan survives the kiln twice:

1. The Soul (1300°C): The master hand-paints the delicate skeletal outlines in Underglaze Blue (Qīnghuā). This blue ink is locked forever into the porcelain bone during the first high-temperature firing.

2. The Life (800°C – 1000°C): Master Chen Xiaoyong then meticulously “fills” (Dou) the color using soft mineral enamels. The second firing fuses these colors to the surface, creating the legendary Doucai effect—where the misty blue shadows beneath the glaze harmonize with the vibrant blossoms on top.

The Master’s Proportions: Chen Xiaoyong

This set is the spiritual labor of Master Chen Xiaoyong, a Senior Arts and Crafts Artist with over 20 years of experience in Jingdezhen.

• The Grand Silhouette: With a bowl diameter of 9.7cm and a generous 15.3cm saucer, this Gaiwan offers a dignified presence and a comfortable, secure grip.

• The Mark of Integrity: Both the base of the bowl and the center of the saucer carry the hand-painted imperial reign mark: “Dà Míng Chéng Huà Nián Zhì” (大明成化年制), a signature of scholarly authenticity.

The Complete Sanctuary

At 170ml, this is a substantial vessel designed for deep, reflective sessions. To achieve total visual and energetic harmony, we recommend pairing this Gaiwan with our matching “Intertwined Lotus” cups, creating a complete ritual environment for your path to stillness.

Curator’s Verdict

“When I first saw the saucer of this set—15.3 centimeters of hand-painted vines—I understood the sheer patience required of Master Chen. It is a generous, stable platform for meditation. This Gaiwan doesn’t just hold tea; it holds the ‘Qi’ of a classic Ming garden. It is ‘Rugged Clumsiness’ refined into a symphony of imperial grace. For those who seek a complete ritual, this is the anchor.”

— Richard Zhang, Founding Curator