Jingdezhen Wood-Fired Blue-and-White Millefleurs Gaiwan

On this three-piece gaiwan, the millefleurs pattern does not stop at the bowl. Cobalt flowers move across the lid, brewing vessel and broad saucer, so the design separates into layers during use and reunites when the set is closed.

Millefleurs, or wanhuajin, began as a dense court pattern of myriad flowers. This contemporary Jingdezhen interpretation reduces the historic palette to cobalt blue, allowing the abundance of peony, chrysanthemum and other blossoms to be read through line and spacing rather than many enamel colors.

The 150 ml brewing volume suits a focused gongfu session. Lifting the lid, tilting the bowl and returning it to the saucer continually changes which part of the floral field is visible, making brewing part of the design rather than a pause between views.

• Origin: Jingdezhen, Jiangxi, China
• Material: High-fired porcelain
• Firing: Wood-fired
• Decoration: Blue-and-white millefleurs pattern
• Bowl diameter: 9.9 cm / 3.9 in
• Total height: 10 cm / 3.9 in
• Saucer diameter: 14.7 cm / 5.8 in
• Capacity: Approx. 150 ml / 5.1 oz
• Base mark: Decorative four-character 成化年製 mark
• Included: Lid, bowl, saucer and presentation box