Emerging from the table like a titanic sculpture, this large and thick gaiwan by Liu Shisan is weighty and monolithic, with a textured glazes suggesting roughly carved marble and oxidised iron. The clay has been carefully worked to keep the two from encroaching on one another, and the dark pedestalled foot and button with a shallow basin resemble nothing so much as an old stone and bronze fountain just waiting for water. The wide, sturdy construction conceals a surprisingly modest volume, making for a vessel best suited for watching particularly large leaves stretch out in its embrace, or similarly momentous occasions.

The design was selected and modified according to suggestions by our Discord community, making this the first truly custom piece of teaware for our shop. In place of a stamp, 'Nannuo' has accordingly been inscribed on the underside. Please note: As they are unique, handmade works, there is noticeable variation among individual pieces, and the gaiwan you receive may look different than the one pictured.

About the Artist

We've long admired the work of Liu Shisan, whose rough, expressive style we discovered on a teaware-sourcing trip to 'the Porcelain Capital' of Jingdezhen. He forms his pieces by hand, on the wheel, but it's the tweaks, pinches, and strokes, along with coarse clay and unusual glazes, that give each an individual and larger-than-life character. He agreed to give us some additional insight to his process by filming himself while making his Artisanal Gaiwan: