The Conical Hermit: Eel-Skin Yellow Tasting Cup

Handcrafted Original Ore Clay | “Shànyú Huáng” Glaze | Yu & Xiong Studio

The Conical Hermit (Dǒulì Zhǎn) is a vessel that honors the silhouette of the ancient scholar-fisherman. Its exceptionally wide, sloping walls and focused 70ml capacity make it an ideal tool for the discerning practitioner. At ZENTAOEAST, we present this cup as an invitation to touch the raw energy of the earth while capturing the most elusive aromatics of the leaf.

The Honest Earth: Unpurified Mineral Clay

The soul of this cup lies in its “intentional imperfection.” Crafted from unpurified mountain clay, the material remains rich in natural iron and mineral ores.

• Tactile History: As you hold the cup, your fingertips will encounter a rich, grainy texture. These are the iron particles “blooming” through the surface during the fire. It is a tactile dialogue—a “Rugged Clumsiness” that reminds us of the weathered cliffs of our homeland.

• Organic Asymmetry: Because each cup is 100% hand-thrown and hand-trimmed without a mold, the form is slightly irregular. It does not seek the sterile perfection of a machine; it seeks the organic rhythm of the master’s hand.

The Glaze: The Luster of the Deep

The bowl is dressed in the classic Eel-Skin Yellow (Shànyú Huáng) glaze, a legendary monochrome finish in the Eastern tradition.

• Natural Variation: Like the skin of a living creature, the glaze is never uniform. It transitions from deep, earthy ochres to warm, sun-washed ambers. Because the minerals in the clay interact differently with the heat in every firing, no two cups are identical.

• Aromatherapy in Form: The wide 9.2cm mouth allows the tea to cool rapidly to the perfect sipping temperature, while the shallow depth ensures that the fragrance is released immediately to the senses.

Curation by the New Generation: Yu & Xiong

This cup is a signature creation from Yu & Xiong Studio, founded by two visionary graduates of the Jingdezhen Ceramic University. On its base, it carries the hand-painted mark of the Fish (Yú), symbolizing spiritual freedom and the abundance that comes from living in harmony with nature.

Curator’s Verdict

“I am fascinated by the ‘Stance’ of this 70ml cup. It is wide and open, like a heart that has nothing to hide. I chose the grainy clay because it grounds the lightness of the Douli shape. It is the perfect companion for our Sovereign Bloom Keemun; it lets the orchid fragrance soar while the raw clay keeps the spirit anchored. It is a ‘Lifelong Companion’ for those who find the greatest beauty in the untamed.”

— Richard Zhang, Founding Curator