Ci Yuan: Master Ma Jukui’s “Source of Ru” Non-Crazing Horseshoe Cup

Handcrafted at the Ru Official Kiln Site (Qingliangsi) | Antique Sky Blue | 120ml

“Born from the sacred soil of Qingliangsi; a sky that never breaks.”

At ZENTAOEAST, we believe the soul of a vessel is tied to the earth from which it came. The “Ci Yuan” Waisted Horseshoe Cup is a rare masterpiece by Master Ma Jukui (马聚魁), whose studio is located in Baofeng Qingliangsi, Henan—the hallowed ground of the original Song Dynasty Ru Official Kiln archaeological site. This cup is not merely an homage; it is a direct descendant of that thousand-year-old heritage.

From the Heart of the Ruins: The Qingliangsi Heritage

Master Ma Jukui lives and works at the very epicenter of Ru Ware history.

• The Sacred Soil: Utilizing local mineral-rich ores and clays found near the Qingliangsi ruins, Master Ma creates a glaze that possesses the authentic “Old Soul” of ancient ceramics.

• The Source of Porcelain: The hand-inscribed base mark “瓷源” (Ci Yuan) literally translates to “The Source of Porcelain.” It is a tribute to his location at the origin point of the world’s most coveted ceramics.

The Glaze: An Eternal, Non-Crazing Antique Sky Blue

While many Ru Ware-inspired pieces are known for their crackle, Master Ma has mastered the rare and difficult Non-Crazing (不开片) technique.

• Pristine Perfection: This cup is designed to remain stable and unblemished. There are no lines to darken or stain; instead, you have a flawless, jade-like expanse of “Antique Sky Blue.”

• Atmospheric Depth: The color is a deep, saturated azure—reminiscent of the sky after a heavy rain in the Henan countryside. Its “oily” luster and matte-satin finish are the results of high-temperature reduction firing and Master Ma’s secret mineral formulas.

The Form: The Waisted Horseshoe (Shù Yāo Mǎ Tí)

This original silhouette balances masculine strength with refined elegance:

• Architectural Silhouette: The “Waisted” (束腰) design creates a subtle inward curve that narrows at the center before flaring out, providing an exceptional grip and a sophisticated visual rhythm.

• The Master’s Capacity: At 120ml, this cup is built for the serious tea practitioner. It offers a generous volume that highlights the clarity of the tea liquor against the deep sky-blue background.

Curator’s Verdict

“Holding this cup is like holding a piece of the Qingliangsi soil itself. Master Ma Jukui’s location at the Ru Official Kiln site gives him an intuitive understanding of the ‘Sky Blue’ glaze that few others possess. The fact that this cup is Non-Crazing makes it a ‘Perfect Specimen’—it captures the eternal beauty of the Song Dynasty without the intervention of time. It is a powerful, dignified vessel that commands respect at any tea table.“

— Richard Zhang, Founding Curator