Yaozhou Ware Olive Green Double-Layer Lotus “Zen” Cup

Handcrafted in Huangbao | Mt. Ta’er Mineral Glaze | San Shi Studio | 125ml

“A bloom of emerald stone; a vessel that grounds the soul in a sea of olive green.”

At ZENTAOEAST, we seek teaware that resonates with the history of the earth. This Olive Green Double-Layer Lotus “Zen” Cup (Chándìng Bēi) is a profound work from the San Shi Studio (叁石工作室), part of their premier “Yang Shan” (仰山) collection. Handcrafted in Huangbao—the ancient cradle of Yaozhou Ware—this cup captures the rigorous strength and sophisticated beauty of Northern Song celadon.

The Glaze: The Secret of Mt. Ta’er (塔尔山)

The extraordinary soul of this cup lies in its glaze, formulated using traditional methods.

• Original Stone Glaze: The studio uses crushed natural minerals sourced specifically from Mt. Ta’er, near the historic kiln sites. This results in the iconic Olive Green (橄榄绿) hue that defines Yaozhou Ware.

• Oily Luster: Unlike modern chemical glazes, this mineral glaze produces an “oily” depth. It is rich, saturated, and possesses a subtle translucent quality that mimics the texture of aged nephrite jade.

The Motif: The Double-Layer Upright Lotus (Yǎng Lián)

The exterior of the cup is a masterpiece of Yaozhou’s legendary carving technique:

• Three-Dimensional Petals: The cup is adorned with Double-Layer Upright Lotus Petals. Each petal is sculpted with sharp, energetic lines that create a rhythmic play of light and shadow—a hallmark of Yaozhou’s “knife-work.”

• Zen Symbolism: In Eastern philosophy, the lotus represents purity emerging from the mud. The “Chanding” (Zen Meditation) shape, combined with the rising lotus petals, makes this cup a powerful tool for mindfulness and quiet contemplation.

The Silhouette: The Zen “Chanding” Cup

The Chanding Cup (禅定杯) is one of the most respected forms in the tea ceremony.

• Stability & Focus: Its centered, stable profile is designed to help the practitioner focus on the moment.

• Perfect Capacity: At 125ml, it is a substantial “Master Cup,” offering a generous volume that highlights the clarity and color of your finest Oolongs or dark teas.

The Mark: Yang Shan (仰山)

The base is hand-inscribed with the characters “仰山” (Yang Shan), the signature brand of San Shi Studio. It represents their philosophy of “Looking up to the mountains”—a commitment to the height of artisanal excellence and the enduring spirit of the Yaozhou Kiln.

Curator’s Verdict

“The Yang Shan Lotus Cup is a sensory bridge to the Northern Song. I am particularly moved by the Mt. Ta’er glaze—it feels ‘alive’ in a way that modern glazes simply don’t. The double-layer lotus petals give the cup a muscular, architectural beauty that is characteristic of the great Northern celadon tradition. This 125ml vessel is a dignified companion for any tea session, a true piece of ‘Living Heritage’ from Tongchuan.”

— Richard Zhang, Founding Curator