Yaozhou Ware: Pale Green “Crackle Glaze” Flower-Mouth Cup and Saucer Set

Handcrafted in Huangbao | Mt. Ta’er Mineral Glaze | San Shi Studio | 100ml

“A crystalline dream in pale celadon; where the echoes of Mt. Ta’er stones meet the song of ancient ice.”

At ZENTAOEAST, we celebrate the evolution of tradition. This Pale Green Crackle Flower-Mouth Cup and Saucer Set is an exquisite creation from the San Shi Studio (叁石工作室). Located in Huangbao, Shaanxi—the ancestral heart of Yaozhou ceramics—this set reinterprets the robust Northern Song aesthetic through a delicate, ethereal crackle glaze, offering a tactile and visual experience of “Cracked Jade.”

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

The soul of this set lies in its rare and captivating glaze finish.

• Mineral Stone Origin: Following the studio’s commitment to authenticity, the glaze is formulated from natural stones sourced from Mt. Ta’er.

• The Crackle (Kāi Piàn): Unlike the solid olive green typical of Yaozhou, this variant is fired to a Pale Green (Qiǎn Lǜ) hue with a prominent, artistic crackle pattern. These “ice-split” lines provide a mesmerizing depth, making the porcelain appear as if it were carved from a block of frozen mountain mist.

• Lustrous Texture: Despite the delicate color, the glaze retains the “oily” and thick texture characteristic of high-end Yaozhou celadon, feeling warm and substantial in the hand.

The Form: The Sculpted Flower-Mouth (Huā Kǒu)

The cup and its matching saucer are a masterclass in organic symmetry:

• The Cup: The rim is shaped into a classic Flower-mouth (Lobed) silhouette, mimicking the petals of a blooming lotus. Vertical ridges run down the body, causing the glaze to “pool” and “thin” across the edges, highlighting the rhythmic geometry of the form.

• The Saucer (Cup Stand): Measuring 9cm, the saucer echoes the petal shape of the cup. On its four corners, the artisan has meticulously hand-painted Ruyi (如意) Motifs—ancient symbols representing “the heart’s desire” and auspicious clouds.

The Heritage: From Huangbao to Your Table

Crafted in Huangbao Town, the very site where Yaozhou Ware rose to fame over a thousand years ago, San Shi Studio preserves the “vigorous and fluid” spirit of the Northern Song. This set represents the modern height of this lineage—where the ancient mineral soul of Shaanxi is distilled into a vessel of contemporary elegance.

Curator’s Verdict

“The San Shi Crackle Cup and Saucer is a fascinating departure from traditional Yaozhou ware. While the Mt. Ta’er mineral glaze provides the historical weight, the pale green crackle adds a layer of ethereal beauty that I find incredibly poetic. The Ruyi motifs on the saucer are the perfect finishing touch—subtle reminders of auspiciousness. At 100ml, it is a generous and dignified set for the serious tea practitioner.”

— Richard Zhang, Founding Curator