The Serene Pulse: “Ding Feng Bo” Silver-Clad White Jade Gaiwan

Hand-written Su Dongpo Poetry | 999 Pure Silver Accents | Guanshan Jianwu Studio | 140ml

In the heart of a storm, true stillness is a choice. The Serene Pulse (Dìng Fēng Bō) is a 140ml Gaiwan that translates one of the most profound poems in Eastern history—Su Dongpo’s masterpiece on resilience—into a tangible ritual. At ZENTAOEAST, we present this vessel as a “Scholarly Armor”—a piece that uses the strength of silver and the clarity of ink to guard your moment of peace.

The Narrative: A Dialogue with Su Dongpo

The hallmark of this Gaiwan is the meticulous Hand-written Calligraphy that encircles the rim of the bowl and the edge of the lid.

• The Inscription: In traditional Underglaze Blue (Qinghua), the artisan has inscribed the verses of Ding Feng Bo. It is a poem that celebrates the ability to walk through wind and rain with a light heart, concluding with the legendary line: “One find stillness where the heart is at peace.”

• The Signature: At the internal base of the bowl, the three characters Dìng Fēng Bō (定风波) are written—a visual anchor that reveals itself as you finish your tea.

The Craft: Silver and Spirit

This vessel represents a rare fusion of ceramic and metal arts:

• 999 Pure Silver Cladding: The mouth of the bowl and the knob of the lid are meticulously encased in 999 Pure Silver by hand. This “Silver-clad” (Bāo Yín) technique not only provides a luxurious tactile contrast to the smooth porcelain but also serves as a protective rim, gathering the heat and focusing the pour. Over time, the silver will develop its own antique patina, evolving alongside your practice.

• White Jade Porcelain: The body is handcrafted from high-fired Jingdezhen Kaolin. The glaze is a “Moist White” (Wēnrùn), possessing the non-reflective, fatty luster of ancient jade.

Form & Philosophy: The Lightness of Being

The silhouette is an exercise in “Sublime Subtraction”:

• Hand-thrown Soul: As a 100% hand-thrown embryo, the vessel possesses a fluid, organic proportion that machine-molding can never replicate.

• Visual Balance: The contrast between the indigo calligraphy, the bright silver, and the milky porcelain creates a visual rhythm that is both scholarly and modern.

The Studio: Guanshan Jianwu (观山见物)

Produced by the Guanshan Jianwu Studio, a house in Jingdezhen dedicated to “Perceiving the Object through the Mountain.” Each piece carries their official seal on the base: “Guān Shān Jiàn Wù” (观山见物).

Curator’s Verdict

“The ‘Ding Feng Bo’ Gaiwan is for the person who navigates a complex world but refuses to be changed by it. I am moved by the choice of silver—it is a material that remembers. I chose this for ZENTAOEAST because it is the ultimate ‘Lifelong Companion.’ It doesn’t just hold tea; it holds a philosophy of resilience. As the silver rim darkens with age and the jade glaze glows with use, it becomes a silent witness to your own ‘inner calm’ amidst the wind.”

— Richard Zhang, Founding Curator