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SN: FIM 2610-05-05W
Firmament is The Phoenix Kiln’s exclusive dragon-kiln wood-fired oil-spot Jian Zhan series, developed through long-term collaboration with the artist’s studio in Jianyang, Fujian.
Unlike the relatively controlled conditions of modern electric kilns, traditional wood firing involves constantly shifting temperatures, flame movement, and kiln atmospheres. Within a compartmented dragon kiln, these variations differ across chambers and kiln positions, making the formation of well-defined oil-spot crystals particularly challenging. Achieving dense, clear, and evenly distributed oil spots requires both exceptional mastery of the firing process and an element of chance.
Large-format Firmament bowls present an additional challenge. Their larger clay bodies are more vulnerable to collapsing or warping during high-temperature wood firing, making it especially difficult to achieve both structural integrity and exceptional oil-spot crystallization. Over the past two years, only five large-format Firmament bowls have been successfully fired.
This selected piece features exceptionally well-developed oil-spot crystallization, with remarkable density, clarity, and balanced distribution across its interior and exterior surfaces.
Handmade in Shuiji Town, Jianyang, using locally sourced iron-rich clay and traditional iron-based mineral glazes, this bowl features the classic Song Dynasty constricted-rim form. Designed for traditional tea whisking, it is equally suited to contemporary matcha preparation.
The accompanying wooden tea bowl stand is handcrafted using traditional natural urushi lacquer techniques, complementing the Jian Zhan and honoring the tea-whisking culture of the Song Dynasty.
Fully handmade and individually numbered.
Details
• Form: Constricted-Rim (Shukou)
• Diameter: 12.6 cm (4.96 in)
• Height: 6.9 cm (2.72 in)
• Capacity: 330 ml (11.16 fl oz)
• Weight: 302 g (10.65 oz)
Note:
– Capacity measured close to the rim; for use, fill about 70% full.
– Dimensions and weight are measured by hand; slight variation may occur.
Also Included
• Handcrafted natural urushi lacquered wooden tea bowl stand
• Rosewood box with concealed locking mechanism for the tea bowl
• Paulownia wood box for the lacquer stand
• Collector’s Brochure with Certificate
• Care instruction card
• Mini LED light for viewing glaze details
• Double-layer cotton tea towel
• Padded cotton pouch
Technical Specifications
• Kiln Type: Compartmented Dragon Kiln (wood-fired)
• Firing Temperature: Approximately 1350 °C
• Firing Cycle: Approximately 20 days preparation, 3 days firing
• Kiln Atmosphere: Alternating oxidation and reduction
• Forming Method: Fully hand-thrown
• Trimming Method: Fully hand-trimmed
• Clay Source: Native clay from Shuiji Town, Jianyang, Fujian
• Iron Content: >10%
• Glaze Type: Iron-based mineral glaze
• Glaze Source: Native mineral glaze from Shuiji Town, Jianyang, Fujian
• Glaze Crystallization Depth: Surface crystallization
• Glaze Category: Oil-spot
• Work Attribute: Individually numbered work, exclusive limited release
• Origin: Shuiji Town, Jianyang, Fujian, China
