“Superior” Fen Qing Ru Ware-inspired Clover Cup and Saucer Set

Handcrafted in Ruzhou | Original Four-Leaf Silhouette | Veteran Expert Revival | 80ml

“A dance of four petals; a glaze of jade-like serenity.”

At ZENTAOEAST, we take pride in presenting original designs that respect the weight of history. The Fen Qing Clover Cup and Saucer Set is an inspired creation from Dedao Ru Ware Studio. Based in Ruzhou, Henan—the ancestral home of Northern Song Ru Ware—this studio brings together a collective of veteran masters dedicated to the contemporary revival of imperial celadon.

The Silhouette: An Original Clover Design

Moving beyond traditional circular forms, this set features a unique, original four-leaf clover silhouette:

• The Cup: The rim is elegantly lobed into four symmetrical “petals,” creating a soft, undulating edge that is a joy to behold and comfortable to sip from.

• The Saucer (Cup Stand): Measuring approximately 9cm, the saucer echoes the clover motif, providing a stable and aesthetically matching pedestal for the cup.

• Ritual of the Set: The addition of a saucer elevates the tea experience, protecting your table and adding a layer of formal elegance to your tea ceremony.

The Glaze: The “Superior” Fen Qing (粉青)

Among Ru Ware enthusiasts, the hierarchy of color is a legendary guide: “Tian Qing (Sky Blue) is noble, Fen Qing (Powder Green) is superior, and Tian Lan (Azure) is precious beyond measure.”

• Velvety Luster: This “Fen Qing” glaze is the result of years of mineral research by Dedao’s senior masters. It is thick, semi-opaque, and possesses a soft, “fat” luster that mimics the texture of high-quality nephrite jade.

• Ruzhou Heritage: Fired using local minerals from the Ruzhou region, the color is a pure, pale celadon—cool to the eye and warm to the touch.

A Note on the Living Surface

True to the studio’s high-standard firing process, this glaze is generally non-crazing (后期一般不开片). It is designed to maintain its pristine, unblemished surface over time. However, due to the authentic mineral composition and the “living” nature of high-fire celadon, there remains a very low probability that subtle crackle lines may develop over years of use. At ZENTAOEAST, we consider this rare possibility a mark of the vessel’s organic soul.

Curator’s Verdict

“I am particularly drawn to the Clover Cup Set because it feels so fresh while remaining deeply rooted in Ruzhou’s soil. The ‘four-leaf’ design is an original touch that updates the classic Song-style lobed vessels for a modern collector. The Fen Qing glaze is exceptionally smooth—it’s what we call ‘superior’ for a reason. Having the matching saucer not only makes it a complete ‘Master Set’ but also a beautiful gift for someone seeking a bit of ‘lucky’ serenity in their tea life.”

— Richard Zhang, Founding Curator