This is a classic Zisha (purple clay) collectible set with a distinctive late Qing Dynasty export style to Japan, embodying the essence of Japanese Sencha tea ceremony. "Ju-rin-ju" (also known as "giant ju-rin") holds a special place in Zisha history, especially when paired with an antique Japanese paulownia wood box and a beautiful patina developed over time, making it highly valuable for collection and appreciation.
The rustic and unpretentious Duan Ni (anciently called Tuan Ni) often turns yellowish-brown or beige after firing. Older Duan Ni from the late Qing Dynasty often contains a grainy texture, possessing a stable feel and excellent breathability. Compared to the more common Zhu Ni (red clay), the Duan Ni Ju-rin-ju possesses a unique, natural beauty characterized by "great skill appearing clumsy, distinctively unique."
The soul of Japanese Sencha tea ceremony: Ju-rin-ju was exported to Japan in large quantities from the late Qing Dynasty to the early Republic of China (exclusively for export). Its characteristics include a straight spout, a large lid, and a robust, rounded body. It abandons the extreme refinement of traditional literati teapots, instead embodying an "asymmetrical, bold, and de-crafted" wabi-sabi aesthetic, deeply loved by Japanese tea connoisseurs.
Pairs of teapots: In antique collecting, perfectly preserved pairs of teapots with highly similar clay and shape are extremely rare. In the past, these teapots were often commissioned in pairs by wealthy families or used in Japanese sencha ceremonies when two tea sets were placed side-by-side.
Japanese paulownia wood boxes (shared boxes): Japanese tea ceremony and sencha ceremony have a tradition of storing precious tea utensils in wooden boxes (often shared boxes). Old paulownia wood boxes not only protect against moisture and preserve antique teapots, but the ink inscriptions on the box surface (if there are inscriptions or collector's signatures) also provide a clear provenance.
Please take a photo to confirm before shipment.