This Gongdao Bei was handmade by Ma Xijun of Xiwu Studio in Hangzhou. Ma Xijun is a contemporary ceramic artist who specializes in shino and wood ash glaze.
 
The Gongdao has been designed with simplicity in mind, the final result of such a finish requiring a hidden level of complexity in skill from the potter. The surface of the cup has been intentionally inset with carefully considered dimples to allow the fingers to rest in the most natural position, sitting comfortably and securely in the hand during use. The lip has been crafted so that it pours cleanly and won't drip when drawing back, while the body features a sort of natural, uneven 'crumpled' shape to its surface, drawing on the Chinese concept of ku cho (古拙 'simple imperfection').
 
This gongdao bei was designed for right-handed use, due to the shape and the position of the dimples.
 
Diameter: 9 cm
Height: 7.5 cm
Volume: 150 ml (70% full)
 
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