Hand-Dipped “Flowing Nebula” Ceramic Tea Cup Mat

Artisanal Water-Transfer Lacquer | Dehua Kiln Fired | One-of-a-Kind Pattern

“A vortex of stardust captured on porcelain; a 9cm pedestal for your favorite cup.”

At ZENTAOEAST, we celebrate the experimental spirit of contemporary Chinese studios. This Ceramic Tea Cup Mat is a signature work from Yun Shang Studio (云裳工作室) in Dehua—the world-renowned capital of white porcelain. By combining high-fired ceramics with the fluid art of natural lacquer, the artisans have created a functional piece of art that carries the dynamic energy of a swirling galaxy.

The Craft: The Dance of Water and Lacquer (水拨漆)
The mesmerizing patterns on this mat are created through a high-stakes “Water-Transfer” technique:

• Floating Art: Natural lacquer is thinned and dripped onto a water surface. The lacquer floats and flows, naturally creating intricate swirls, ripples, and “flowing cloud” (Liú Yún) textures.

• The Moment of Capture: The ceramic body is carefully dipped into the water, allowing the floating lacquer film to wrap around the porcelain, instantly freezing the unique pattern onto the surface.

• The Healing Process: The piece is then placed in a specialized humidity-controlled room (Yīn Fáng) to dry slowly, followed by meticulous hand-polishing to reveal its deep, lustrous glow.

The Alchemy: Fire and Protection
Unlike pure lacquerware, this cup mat is reinforced with the strength of Dehua porcelain:

• Dual Glazing: After the lacquer pattern is set, a protective glaze is applied. The rim and base are then finished with a deep Black Glaze to provide a grounded, sophisticated frame.

• High-Temperature Firing: The vessel is fired at extreme temperatures in the kiln, bonding the elements together to ensure heat resistance and durability for daily use on the tea table.

The Aesthetic: Modern Zen
Because the lacquer flows freely on the water, no two mats are ever identical.

• Cosmic Swirls: The interplay of earthy golds, deep browns, and cosmic blacks creates a “Nebula” effect that is both ancient and strikingly modern.

• Versatile 9cm Diameter: With a diameter of approximately 9 cm, this mat is perfectly sized to support a wide range of teaware, from delicate tasting cups to larger master cups.

Curator’s Verdict
“The Yun Shang Lacquer Tea Cup Mat is a brilliant example of ‘controlled chaos.’ I am fascinated by how the artisans use water to ‘paint’ the lacquer. The result is so organic—it looks like flowing molten metal or a distant nebula. At 9cm, it provides a substantial, artistic foundation that transforms your tea cup into a centerpiece. It’s the perfect marriage of Fujian’s lacquer heritage and Dehua’s porcelain mastery.”

— Richard Zhang, Founding Curator