Jian ware tea bowl with black glaze showing "hare's-fur"markings

This tea bowl with a thickly potted body was produced at the Jian kiln in Fujian province. It is covered with a thick and lustrous black glaze marked with golden streaks resembling hare's fur, hence the name of "hare's-fur"markings. Whipped tea was the most common tea preparation method in the Song dynasty. This method for preparing tea consisted of pouring boiling water over tea powder placed in a bowl and whipping the mixture with a bamboo whisk to make a thick frothy brew. Tea connoisseurs often took part in a contest whereby each competitor would prepare a bowl of tea, the winner being the person who whipped up the greatest amount of froth which was the last to subside. As white tea froth stands out best in a black tea bowl, Jian ware therefore was highly recommended for whipped tea contests.