There is a saying of Jianzhan:
"One glaze, a thousand colors."
The technique of the glaze known as Jianzhan, also known as Tianmu, or "Eye of Heaven," was invented hundreds of years ago in the Song Dynasty. It was later lost in China for hundreds of years. Luckily, this technique was preserved and cultivated by Japanese artisans, who, having initially learned the art from China, introduced it back into China during the 1990's. This iron-rich glaze is said to help enrich the blood, improve the flavor of the tea, and presents the tea with stunning luminosity.
This particular style of Jianzhan is named after the qi lin, which is a mythical chimera and symbol of magic and good fortune. While often translated as "unicorn," the qi lin more closely resembles a lion-dragon-deer. In Chinese culture, it is a symbol of luck and wealth, as well as a herald of great change and transformation.
Large:
Width: 4.25"/11 cm
Height: 4.5"/11.5 cm
Volume: 180 ml
Small:
Width: 3.8"/10.5 cm
Height: 3.75"/9.5 cm
Volume: 150 ml
(Note: Jianzhan glazes are entirely unique to each piece, as they are based on changes that naturally occur in the kiln. Thus, the pattern of the gaiwan you receive will be slightly different than the one in the picture, as each one is entirely unique.)