The Radiant Horizon: Gilded Qingbai Tea Cup

Hand-applied Real Gold Rim | He Qi Studio (Jingdezhen) | 80ml

In the silence of the tea ritual, the rim of the cup is where the spirit meets the senses. The Radiant Horizon is a masterful expression of “Heart-felt Harmony.” At ZENTAOEAST, we present this 80ml vessel as a jewel of the “Mindful Dwelling”—a piece that balances the icy purity of Qingbai porcelain with the eternal warmth of real gold.

The Art of the Gilded Edge

The defining feature of this cup is its Hand-painted Gold Rim.

• The Material: Using high-purity Real Gold, the artisan hand-draws a delicate line along the mouth of the cup. This is not a chemical imitation; it is a precious mineral application that is fired to bond permanently with the porcelain.

• The Contrast: The gold acts as a “Gilded Horizon,” framing the cool, bluish-white glaze. It adds a layer of imperial dignity while providing a soft, luxurious tactile experience for the lips.

The Material: Jade-like Qingbai

Like its counterparts from He Qi Studio, this cup is crafted from premium Jingdezhen Kaolin.

• Shadow Blue: The glaze is a classic Qingbai—a “Bluish-white” that captures the essence of a cloud-shrouded mountain peak. It is famously “moist” (Ying Run), mimicking the visual and tactile depth of fine suet jade.

• Pure Vitality: High-fired at 1300°C, the porcelain is dense and resonant, ensuring that the true fragrance of your Ancestral Tea remains unmasked and crystalline.

The Philosophy of “惒” (He)

This cup carries the seal “Jingde He Qi” (景德惒器) on its base.

• The Ancient Meaning: As we have explored, the character 惒 (Hé) signifies a harmony that originates from the heart.

• A Personal Ritual: At 80ml, this cup is designed as a personal “Master Cup” or a refined tasting vessel. Its flared-rim silhouette is ergonomically designed to broaden the tea’s surface, allowing the high aromatics of your harvest to be fully experienced.

Curator’s Verdict

“I am captivated by the ‘Line’ of this cup—that perfect golden circle that defines the rim. It is the ‘True Heart’ of the master potter and the gilder working in unison. The gold warms the cool blue of the Qingbai, creating a visual balance that is profoundly calming. At 80ml, it feels significant in the hand, yet light as a breath. It is a ‘Lifelong Companion’ that makes every sip feel like a royal audience with nature.”

— Richard Zhang, Founding Curator