1. Curtain Up: A Masterpiece of Heritage on Your Tea Tray
Where the distilled essence of Chinese opera meets the soulful nurture of Yixing clay, a moment of dramatic artistry unfolds on your tea stage. This is no ordinary ornament, but a "mask for tea," encoded with millennia of cultural symbolism. Crafted from the fiery hue of Vermilion clay, it embodies loyalty and courage; shaped through bas-relief artistry, it captures a timeless dramatic instant. Amidst the curling steam, one can almost hear the faint beat of gongs and see the flutter of silken sleeves—transforming each brewing into a dialogue with Eastern aesthetics.
2. Artisan Details: The Loyal Vermilion Visage
· Innovative Form: Breaking from traditional sculptural forms, it is crafted using a thin-slab bas-relief technique into a striking planar mask. With a full, expressive front and a flat back, it is designed for the tea tray like an exquisite cultural seal stamped upon your session.
· Exquisite Clay: Selected from original mineral Vermilion Zhu Ni or Da Hong Pao clay, famed for its pure, rich red color and fine, dense grain. Fired at high temperature, it achieves a deep, date-like hue with a subtle, inner glow—perfectly marrying material to the mask's symbolic righteousness.
· Precision Carving: Utilizing Yixing shallow relief and line-engraving techniques, it masterfully captures the precise rhythm of Peking Opera mask artistry. From the broad forehead to the sharply defined eyes and brows, from the intricate "cheek" patterns to the expressive mouth, every cut demonstrates skilled artistry, vibrant with energy that rewards both distant admiration and close study.
· Thoughtful Dimensions: 2.6cm H x 9cm W x 8cm L, ~62g. Its unique扁平 (flat) form stands distinct among rounded teaware. It serves as a powerful visual anchor on the tray or can be artfully leaned against a pot stand or tea caddy as a dynamic accent.
3. Symbolic Meaning: The Mask's Hue, The Tea Drinker's Virtue
· The Red Face of Integrity: In opera, the red mask symbolizes loyalty, bravery, and righteousness (represented by figures like Guan Yu). On your tea tray, it signifies the drinker's aspiration toward a sincere heart, upright action, and nurturing a noble spirit.
· Cultural Essence, Confident Heritage: Integrating the intangible cultural heritage of "Peking Opera facial makeup" into daily tea practice is both an homage to tradition and a contemporary expression of cultured living.
· Clay Nurtured by Tea, Life Mirrors Drama: As the Yixing clay grows warmer and smoother with tea, so does a stage character deepen with time. Nurturing this piece is akin to "nurturing the drama"—a meditation on the philosophy that life is like theatre, and theatre like tea.
· The Centering Piece: The mask's strong visual and spiritual presence helps define the tea space's atmosphere, focusing energy and fostering a pure, attentive environment for brewing.
4. Special Care Guide (For Flat Relief Design)
1. The First Unveiling (Initial Seasoning): After a gentle rinse with warm water, use a pure, soft cloth dipped in warm tea liquor (black or ripe Pu'er suggested) to evenly wipe the mask's relief surface. Let it absorb briefly, then air-dry. Repeat 2-3 times to awaken the clay's pores.
2. Daily Nurturing:
· Brushing Method (Recommended): During your session, use a tea-nurturing brush or soft cloth to carefully apply tea liquor over the surface, paying attention to the engraved lines.
· Steaming Method: Place it flat on a warm area of your tray or pot stand, allowing steam from your teapot to gently humidify it.
· Polishing for Sheen: After each session, a light wipe with a fine cotton cloth encourages a soft, "mirror-like" patina.
3. Important Notes:
· Avoid prolonged soaking or direct water spray on the back to prevent uneven absorption.
· Due to its flat form, handle by the edges, not the relief surface.
· The dense nature of Vermilion clay benefits from using one tea type for more uniform, vibrant coloration.
5. Specifications
· Item: Vermilion Yixing Clay Peking Opera Mask Tea Tile (Bas-Relief Style)
· Material: Original Mineral Vermilion Zhu Ni / Da Hong Pao Clay
· Dimensions: ~2.6cm (H) x ~9cm (W) x ~8cm (L)
· Net Weight: ~62g
· Craft: Hand-slabbed, shallow relief carving
· Packaging: Presented in a brocade-style soft-pouch box with a custom slot, includes a cultural information card and care guide.
6. For the Connoisseur
· For the Traditional Culture Aficionado: A refined object for your desk or a distinguished addition to your tea session, reflecting deep cultural appreciation.
· For the Peking Opera Enthusiast: A unique way to hold a piece of theatrical heritage in the palm of your hand.
· For the Tea Drinker Seeking Distinction: An unconventional choice that breaks the mold, showcasing unique taste.
· For the Gift-Giver: A profound gift for international or local friends, offering a tangible piece of Chinese cultural depth.
· For the Yixing Collector: A special piece that expands your collection with its unique form and theme.
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Let this Vermilion visage be the eloquent, unspoken statement on your tea stage.
It speaks volumes without a sound, embodying a universe of principle and loyalty.
Nurture it with tea, contemplate it with heart, and in the rise and fall of each infusion, see the "mask" within your own spirit reflected.
Note:
1. As a handmade Vermilion clay piece, slight firing shrinkage lines or natural color variations may occur. These are part of the clay's inherent character and artistic value.
2. Please handle the fine relief carving with care during use and maintenance.
3. The color is the natural result of Vermilion clay firing, which may range from orange-red to deep crimson under different lighting, each with its own charm.
