The "Ji Gang Bei" (Rooster Cup) is a porcelain tea cup with a rich cultural heritage, originating from the renowned porcelain capital, Jingdezhen, in Jiangxi province. This town has a storied history of producing some of the finest porcelain in the world.
These cups come in two sizes, a small 55ml and a larger 130ml version. The dimensions of the small cup are 6.4 cm in diameter and 3.2 cm in height, while the large cup measures 8 cm in diameter and 4 cm in height. Both sizes are well-suited to the Gongfu Cha, a Chinese tea ceremony that emphasizes the precision and artistry of tea preparation and consumption.
What sets the Ji Gang Bei apart is its hand-painted design, which typically features roosters. The rooster is an important symbol in Chinese culture, representing fidelity and punctuality, as it wakes people up on time. In the context of tea ware, the rooster pattern is not only decorative but also conveys good wishes and prosperity to the user.
These cups' craftsmanship reflects the enduring legacy of Jingdezhen's porcelain artistry, combining functional design for tea appreciation with the aesthetic pleasure of traditional motifs. The Ji Gang Bei is more than just a tea cup; it's a piece of art that tells a story with each hand-painted stroke.