The Lone Ripple: Hand-painted Kohiki Puerh Cup

Bada Shanren Tribute | Handcrafted “Powder-blow” Porcelain | 100ml

In the world of ZENTAOEAST, we seek objects that echo the internal landscape of the soul. The Lone Ripple is a 100ml Puerh vessel that bridges the gap between traditional Jingdezhen craftsmanship and the rebellious, minimalist spirit of the Ming-Qing literati. It is a cup for the solitary seeker, designed to hold the “Qi” of an aged Puerh within a canvas of weathered stillness.

A Tribute to the Prince of Solitude: Bada Shanren

At the heart of this cup is a hand-painted Mandarin Fish (Guì Yú), rendered in the iconic Xie Yi (expressive) style of Bada Shanren.

• The Motif: Known for his depictions of “fish with rolling eyes,” Bada Shanren’s art was a protest of solitary pride. This singular fish, swimming in a vast white void, symbolizes the freedom of the spirit and the refusal to be tamed by the world.

• The Inscription: Next to the fish, the artist has hand-etched the characters Bā Dà Zhī Qì (八大之器 – Vessel of Bada), a signature of respect for the master’s “True Heart.”

The Aesthetic: The Warmth of Kohiki (粉引)

This cup utilizes the rare Kohiki (Powder-blow) glazing technique.

• The Texture: Unlike standard glossy porcelain, Kohiki involves coating the dark, iron-rich body with a white clay slip before glazing. This results in a surface that is warm, soft, and slightly misty, resembling a piece of ancient paper or a sun-withered Huizhou wall.

• Aged Spirit: Over time, the tea oils will slowly permeate the fine slip-layer, creating a natural patina that makes the cup feel like a relic unearthed from a forgotten dynasty.

The Alchemy: Yuan-style Underglaze Blue

The painting is executed in Underglaze Blue (Qīnghuā) with a color palette inspired by the Yuan Dynasty.

• Deep & Resonant: The cobalt is dark and powerful, applied with a brush that values “Bone Strength” over decorative neatness.

• Ink-Wash Nuance: The blue has a rhythmic, ink-like depth that harmonizes perfectly with the “dusty” white of the Kohiki glaze, creating a visual balance between the heavy and the light.

Form & Function: The Puerh Specialist

• The Silhouette: Designed with a shallow belly and wide opening, this 100ml vessel is engineered specifically for Puerh and Rock Teas. The broad surface area allows the high-temperature brew to cool gracefully, revealing the tea’s layered sweetness.

• Studio Integrity: Crafted by Ruyi Pottery Studio (如一陶艺), a Jingdezhen house dedicated to “Oneness” in form and spirit.

Curator’s Verdict

“The Lone Ripple is a cup for the ‘Atomic’ individual who finds peace in their own company. I was moved by the expression of the fish—it is aloof, wise, and profoundly free. The Kohiki glaze gives it a ‘Rugged Clumsiness’ that feels incredibly honest in the palm. It is a ‘Lifelong Companion’ that reminds us that even in a cup of empty tea, there is a whole universe of stillness.”

— Richard Zhang, Founding Curator