Wu Lizhu, inheritor of the workmanship of Jianzhan teaware, observes pieces of porcelain in the kiln at his workshop in Jianyang District of Nanping City, south China's Fujian Province, March 28, 2019. Jianzhan teaware, a well-known Chinese porcelain originated in Jianyang, dates back to more than 1,000 years ago in Song dynasty (960-1279). It was the best teaware for scholars and literati to use during that time in tea competitions. Jianzhan teawares are known for their variability. Glazes can range in color from dark plum to yellow, green, and blue. During the heating and cooling processes, iron element in the clay can migrate within the glaze to form surface crystals in rich and glossy colors, as in the "oil spot" or "partridge feather" patterns. Among all the Jianzhan teawares, the most rare and precious type is called "Yaobian", the workmanship of which has been lost for over 700 years. Local craftsmen have been spending years of effort to replicate the original "Yaobian" Jianzhan teawares. The workmanship of Jianzhan teaware was listed as national intangible cultural heritage in 2011. (Xinhua/An Xiya)
