The Ru kiln is one of the five most famous kilns in ancient China, dating from the Song dynasty, about the 12^th century AD. Ru wares are known for their glaze and more notably for a nest of intersecting cracks on the surface, both big and small. Those cracks in the glaze will gradually appear more pronounced as a nest of lines after a period of use. Chinese tea culture refers to the phenomenon of surface cracks on Ru tea ware as Kai Pian (开片), a fun part of the gongfu tea experience. 

This teapot features a traditional sunflower shape. The unique shape of sunflower petals gives fullness to the design and a decorative appeal to the teapot. The bead on the lid, handle and spout together reflects traditional Zen elements that give the teapot auspicious blessings. The built-in seven-hole strainer makes for a very smooth pour. The creaminess, radiance, richness, and smoothness of the glaze on this teapot typify high quality Ru ware. The six-petal teacup is also a classic type called "Kui Ban"（葵瓣杯), literally meaning "sunflower petal". Kui Ban-style cups were popular during the Song dynasties, about 1200 years ago. All in all, this sunflower-shaped teapot set is a classic beauty on any tea table and will make your tea ritual more enjoyable.

The teapot base is handmade from Jingdezhen. The base pattern is the result of a unique firing technique and resembles the surface of a pond with a hand painted porcelain disk featuring blue leaves seemingly floating on the surface. 

Name:  汝窑葵花壶套组

Teapot:   200ml / 6.76oz 

Teacup:  60ml / 2oz

Teapot base diameter: 17cm / 6.7",  height: 3cm / 1.2".