Emperor cup

Epitomizing elegance in simplicity, this teacup is emblematic of its creator Ryan's work: classic forms given a paired-down, modern treatment, the use of precious metals, little touches where aesthetics meets functionality. The graceful taper of this form of cup fits comfortably in the fingers, and its tidy size encourages enjoyment of top-shelf teas in quiet contemplation, dosed bit by prized bit to the proverbial golden drop. The pale interior allows appreciation of the infusion's color, though it is not quite white, but a very pale green pairing perfectly with the exterior, and mostly visible in the slight pooling in the cup's bottom. This is, of course, saving its most noteworthy feature for last: the exterior is coated in a layer of 24k gold, which unlike Ryan's pieces in silver will not change over time. Though the luster draws attention, its use in such a simple form does not come off as ostentatious, particularly when paired with matte and natural materials. The most expensive cup we've ever offered, its use is a treat and a reminder to value the tea within.

Written by Dimitri

About the artist

The ceramicist Ran Xiangfei, also known as Ryan, is one of the most prominent artists in Jingdezhen, often called “The Porcelain Capital” and the considered the epicenter of Chinese ceramic production. We first met him in 2019 at his studio, Yi Yang Yi Sheng, during a tea journey to the city. Impressed by his unique and creative pieces, we selected several for our tea shop. Since that first visit, Ryan’s team has expanded, his studio has moved to a larger atelier, and he is currently developing a second location. Watch our last visit, in which we sourced this very piece, in the video below: