CUP, Xingzhou kiln, with handles, Tang Dynasty（618-907CE）

The Xingzhou kiln, renowned for its white porcelain during the Tang Dynasty, was located near Niuqiao County in Hebei Province, China, and reached its zenith in the late Tang period (8th to 9th centuries). The white porcelain produced by the Xingzhou kiln is considered to have laid the foundation for the later Ding kiln white porcelain and was celebrated alongside the celadon of the Yuezhou kiln as some of the finest ceramics of the time.

This twin-handled cup features elegantly petite handles on either side, showcasing a refined aesthetic beauty. It is adorned with a slightly yellowish, milky-white glaze characteristic of the Xingzhou kiln, exuding a delicate translucence. The minimal decoration and serene simplicity further exemplify the style of the Xingzhou kiln.

The white porcelain from the Xingzhou kiln is typically crafted from a thin, brownish clay with low iron content, coated with a semi-translucent white glaze, and this twin-handled cup is no exception. Consequently, the glazed areas are smooth and lustrous, while the unglazed base retains a textured, gritty quality. Historical texts on tea from the Tang period, such as the "Chajing," praise the white porcelain of the Xingzhou kiln for its "snow-like whiteness," indicating that it was a special vessel cherished by people of that era.

Even across the ages, the twin-handled cup from the Xingzhou kiln continues to radiate beauty. We invite you to appreciate its tranquil and noble elegance.