[清本源 x Gohobi Gallery] Thin-Body Blue Glazed Bell Cup with Alun-Red Butterfly Painting – Phoenix Inner Relief (65ml)

This thin-body porcelain bell cup is a delicate expression of lightness, symbolism, and refined ceramic craftsmanship, designed for intimate tea moments and mindful appreciation.

The sky-blue glaze appears as though Jiangnan’s spring sky has been gently gathered and sealed upon porcelain. Clear, even, and luminous, the glaze releases a soft, jade-like warmth under light—pure yet reserved, reminiscent of morning dew resting on bamboo leaves. Achieved through high-temperature coloured glaze firing, this tone requires exacting control of kiln temperature and atmosphere. Any slight deviation would disturb its clarity, making each successful firing a precise convergence of fire, earth, and timing, with every inch of glaze bearing the quiet mark of the kiln.

The cup body is refined to a thin-body “de-tai” (脱胎) standard, resulting in a vessel that feels light and responsive in the hand while maintaining structural balance. Inside, a subtly molded phoenix motif is impressed beneath the glaze, revealed gently through use. In Chinese tradition, the phoenix symbolises harmony, renewal, and noble virtue, lending the interior a quiet strength and auspicious presence that remains understated rather than overt.

Across the exterior, alun-red painted butterflies move gracefully across the blue glaze. Each butterfly is rendered in a distinct posture—some poised mid-flight with wings edged in delicate golden accents that shimmer softly under light, others resting quietly upon the surface, their wing patterns painted with meticulous precision. In Chinese culture, butterflies are a homophone for “fortune multiplied” (福迭), symbolising blessings that arrive again and again. Their transformation from cocoon to flight further represents renewal, vitality, and new beginnings. Gathered across the porcelain, these butterflies form both a refined display of fine brush painting and a gentle wish for enduring fortune and continuity.

Diameter: 6 cm
Height: 4.5 cm
Capacity: 65 ml

This bell cup is well suited for gongfu tea sessions, particularly for aromatic teas where warmth, aroma, and tactile sensitivity are essential. Its compact form invites slow sipping and attentive use, allowing the tea and the vessel to be appreciated together.

The listed price is for one cup. Each piece is individually handcrafted and hand-painted, and natural variations in glaze, brushwork, and form are part of its unique character. Customers are welcome to request a private video viewing for a closer look. Orders are shipped using reused or recycled packaging wherever possible.

A small yet resonant tea cup—clear in glaze, rich in symbolism, and made to be held, used, and quietly treasured over time.