Indeed, to elaborate on physical characteristics further, Jian Teacups developed, basically, three unique traits as a result of these Song tea contests.
For example, it was necessary during the tea competitions to discern subtle nuances in regard to color, especially when comparing tea infusion surface foam and the water marks on the teacups. Determining a color contrast here was imperative. Therefore, the dark color of the tea cup allowed white foam to be more strongly contrasted so that it would be easier to determine the winner of the contest. Jian Teacups are, consequently, mostly black, among which the “color changing teacup”, the “rabbit hair” teacup and the “oil droplet” teacup are the best.
Secondly, Jian Teacups were usually of an open-mouth style, with a wide-open mouth and a small base, in order for the contestants to better observe and compare the tea colors and foam from different angles and perspectives, and also for tea aromas to diffuse further and better.
Thirdly, it was the thick embryo and enamel of the Jian Teacups that helped to preserve the hot temperatures and the taste and effect of the tea. As a matter of fact, the iron content of the embryo soil for the Jian Teacup is really high, hence the name “the iron embryo”. It is said the “iron embryo” has a good “freshness-keeping” ability. Tea kept overnight in an “iron embryo” Jian Teacup will taste just as fresh the next day. From the above we can see the close kinship between tea and tea sets. Those wonderful features of a Jian Teacup were the results of a once popular national hobby of tea contests in the Song Dynasty. During the course of these competitions both the tea and tea cups affected each other and slowly matured and became integrated into one inseparable relationship.
Jun porcelain ranks at the top among the five famed kilns in the Song Dynasty. It bears a great resemblance to the Jian Teacup in its embryo, enamel layer and the iron content of its raw materials. Therefore, first and foremost, the Puzhen brand of Jun Porcelain tea sets is a new concept in formality; secondly, Puzhen Jun porcelain strives to revive the grandeur and magnificence of the Song Dynasty Official Kiln Jun Porcelain by employing the inheritance of traditional craftsmanship, and bringing people life experiences tantamount to returning to their original, true selves. This is the similar to the spiritual realm we are pursuing when we enjoy tea tasting ceremonies.
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