Drinking tea with Jianzhan is a kind of fashion.
Regarding the Jian kiln, from ancient times to the present, from the articles written by Emperor Huizong of Song Dynasty and folk scholars to the discussions between the academic and grassroots circles, as well as the collaborative articles written by foreign friends who share the same interests, there has been a diversity of opinions and ideas. A great variety of discussions and debates have taken place, leading to a collective consciousness and resonance of understanding.
In 960 AD, Zhao Kuangyin, the military inspector of the Later Zhou Dynasty who was leading a northern expedition, launched a coup, forcing the abdication of Emperor Gong of the Zhou Dynasty and establishing the feudal society of the Song Dynasty, which is known as the "Northern Song" in history. This was the famous "Chenqiao Mutiny". Zhao Kuangyin became the founding emperor of the Song Dynasty, known as "Song Taizu". Following the Tang system, in the military aspect, Taizu relieved the control of the army from the generals with the "cup of wine dismissal of military power", giving the Song Dynasty complete control over the army. In the Northern Song Dynasty, the imperial examination system was adopted, and a large number of outstanding politicians emerged from the ranks of the bureaucratic class, consolidating the political power of the dynasty.
With the stability of the Northern Song Dynasty's political power, and the development of the economy and agriculture, the later generations of the Zhao family enjoyed a comfortable life and were unable to effectively govern the country, resulting in a decline in political power. However, there was a revival and prosperity in literature and arts, such as Song calligraphy and painting, Song woodblock printing, and Song famous porcelain. Emperor Huizong of Song was also fond of the art of tea-fighting, and the culture of tea-fighting was popular among literati and scholars from officials to common people.
"Jianyang black glazed tea bowls are vessels born for tea and a combination of earth and fire art. During the Song Dynasty, the culture of tea-fighting was prevalent, and Jianzhan was highly praised as the tea set for tea-fighting, which made Jianzhan extremely popular at that time."
"The benefits of drinking tea with Jianzhan can be summarized as: color, vitality, warmth, and elegance," said Yang Min. "Color: after pouring tea into Jianzhan, the patterns of Jianzhan and the tea are reflected under the light, creating various magical colors. Vitality: the high iron content in Jianzhan can soften the water, making the tea taste mellow and sweet. Warmth: drinking tea with Jianzhan can maintain the temperature of the tea for a long time, ensuring the taste of the tea. Elegance is something that doesn't need to be spoken. Just like the artistic conception when drinking tea, appreciating the elegant Jianzhan while enjoying good tea."
Observing the Jianzhan used for brewing tea closely, it presents a colorful variation under the light, with evenly full patterns that resemble the feathers of a partridge bird at first glance. Under each pattern, there are subtle changes that are exquisitely beautiful. As one of the key cultural industries, using Jianzhan to drink tea has also become a fashion trend
