Shino Ware Hand-Painted Crane Gaiwan Set

Product Specifications 

Gaiwan

Capacity: 110ML

Diameter: 9.3CM

Depth: 7.5CM

Material:  Kaolin Clay

Food Safe: Yes

Packaging: Premium gift box

Teacup

Capacity: 90ML

Diameter: 7.5CM

Depth: 5.7CM

Material:  Kaolin Clay

Food Safe: Yes

Packaging: Premium gift box

Cultural Crossroads

This exceptional set unites:
✓ Jingdezhen's Painting Mastery: Each red-crowned crane is hand-painted by ceramic artists.
✓ Authentic Shino Tradition: 

• Thick feldspathic glaze (3-5mm)

• Natural "fire cloud" discoloration

• Distinctive orange-peel texture

Set Features

1. Crane Gaiwan

• Capacity: 110ml (ideal for 1-2 servings)

2. Matching Cup (1pcs)

• 90ml capacity
  

The Origin and Essence of Shino Ware

Shino ware traces its roots to the black-glazed porcelain techniques of China's Song Dynasty. Over four centuries ago, during Japan's Tenshō era (1573–1592), the tea master Shino Sōshin—a devoted practitioner of the Way of Tea—sent his potters to study ceramic arts in China. Upon their return, they began producing this distinctive pottery in a region called Shino, thus giving birth to what is now known as Shino-yaki.

Shino ceramics embody restraint rather than ostentation. In the history of Japanese pottery, they have long been revered as a spiritual art form deeply connected to Zen Buddhism. The glaze incorporates a high proportion of feldspar, applied thickly over a coarse, unrefined clay body. After firing, the surface emerges as luminous as heavy frost; when iron pigment is added, it bleeds into deep, poignant crimson.

Each Shino piece is hand-thrown from aged mineral clay, glazed, and fired at 1300°C. Variations in kiln temperature produce unpredictable color shifts in the glaze—even the master potter cannot fully anticipate the final result. The fired teaware contains abundant ferrous (Fe²⁺) and ferric (Fe³⁺) ions, which interact with the tannins and alkaloids in tea. This reaction dramatically softens the water, enhancing the sweetness and aftertaste of the brew while yielding a liquor that is both crystal-clear and velvety on the palate.