Blue-and-White Gilded Five Immortals Cup & Saucer Set

The rarity of the "Blue-and-White Porcelain Cup Series" stems from the meticulous pursuit of excellence in three key aspects: craftsmanship, materials, and firing. Artisans from the selected brands undergo a decade of rigorous training before independently crafting porcelain. Their hand-thrown cups are as thin as eggshells yet remarkably sturdy, and the blue-and-white paintings exhibit a spectrum of five shades with a single brushstroke. This "handcrafted warmth" ensures each cup is a unique masterpiece.​ The materials are chosen with equal discernment. Only high-grade white clay from Gaoling Village in Jingdezhen is used, known for its jade-like translucency. The blue pigment, "Zhuming" cobalt, is ground from minerals sourced in the remote mountains of Yunnan, resulting in a blue hue tinged with purple that remains vibrant for centuries.​

Among all the stages, firing is the most critical. During wood-kiln firing, artisans feed pine logs continuously for three days and nights without rest. At temperatures reaching 1300°C, the flames leave unpredictable marks, creating exquisite ink-like blue patterns. However, the process is fraught with challenges—nine out of ten kilns may fail, and only a few exceptional pieces emerge.​ In contrast, mass-produced blue-and-white porcelain is often made with machine-pressed molds, chemical pigments, and low-temperature quick firing. While more affordable, these lack the soul and artistry of handcrafted pieces. The Jingdezhen Blue-and-White Series cups are not just utensils; they are heirloom-worthy works of art.