Our Story

The Phoenix Kiln was born from a quiet rebirth—like the phoenix rising from its own ashes.

Our founder, a semi-retired architect who once designed luxury resort projects, found new inspiration not in blueprints, but in teacups. During a visit back to China, she was asked by American friends to find authentic Jian Zhan—those mysterious Song-dynasty tea bowls that capture the universe in glaze.

What began as a favor became a revelation. Each cup held traces of nature, history, and fire—science and art fused in a single breath. Along the way came lessons, too: imitations made from non-authentic clay or pressed molds, pieces that lacked the soul of true craftsmanship. Yet these experiences only deepened her pursuit of authenticity.

In that search, fate led her to Cao Yuming, a young artist whose passion for Jian Zhan blazes like the kilns he tends. What began as his hobby evolved into an artistic calling—to create works worthy of time itself. Drawn by both the cosmic beauty of Jian Zhan and the purity of his devotion, she saw in this collaboration a new beginning: a meeting point of design and fire, East and West, art and soul.

Thus, The Phoenix Kiln was born. After months of preparation, we now bring to America a curated collection of genuine, handmade Jian Zhan—each a vessel of history, transformation, and possibility.

For us, every cup is a small phoenix—reborn through flame, shimmering with the memory of its own creation.

We invite you to share in this journey: to sip, to nurture, to collect, and to rediscover beauty through tea and time.