Creamy-colored, and skin-textured, the surface of this teapot is both a visual and a haptic pleasure. The elongated fingers of hands in mudra lend a name to a citrus variety, and in turn a motif to this teaware series (as well as a yan cha that resembles its taste), in which the artist has formed the knob into the shape of the Buddha's hand (foshou). The delicate and charming figure aside, this pear-shaped pot convinces with its clean lines, precise workmanship, and pleasing material. The form is suitable for teas that could use a little space to expand—though unlike unglazed teaware, can switch between sorts without retaining odors—and the brewed liquor is strained with a built-in ball filter. It's a ceramic teapot to luxuriate in—or to meditate with.

Please note that, as a handmade piece, slight variations in the shape and appearance are to be expected.

About the artist

We encountered Zhang Xue through her work, a pair of gaiwans that left an impression while visiting Jingdezhen, and through a mutual contact have finally been able to obtain some of the very same pieces for our shop. Zhang Xue opened her own studio in Jingdezhen in 2011, soon after having completed her studies, and has since exhibited her work in Yunnan, Hangzhou, Jingdezhen, and Shanghai. The Foshou teaware is part of a series with emblems representing the ingredients of the Qianlong Emperor's favorite tisane, which he immortalized in poetry: Buddha's hand citrus, pignoli, and plum blossom, made with boiled water from fresh snow.