Aiden brings over 15 years of hands-on research in traditional Chinese ceramics, with a specialized focus on Jianzhan (建盏). Born in Jianyang, Fujian — the birthplace of Jianzhan — he has personally visited hundreds of traditional dragon kilns across China, gaining intimate knowledge of the 1300°C reduction firing process that creates iron crystal "alchemy" in every piece.

As Lead Curator at Tenmokus, Aiden authenticates, selects, and documents every piece in our collection. His writing transforms complex physical and chemical transformations into accessible art-appreciation knowledge for tea enthusiasts worldwide.

Elena holds an MA in East Asian Art History from Columbia University, with a thesis focused on Song Dynasty minimalism and its influence on contemporary tea aesthetics. Her academic work has been cited in journals on East Asian material culture and ceramic history.

She believes that a Jianzhan is never merely a cup — it's a portal to meditative living. Each piece carries centuries of cultural memory: the quiet rituals of Song dynasty tea masters, the Zen Buddhist principles that shaped bowl forms, and the gifting traditions that still connect people today.

As an internationally certified tea sommelier, Sophie has traveled tea gardens and ceramic workshops across China, Japan, and Taiwan, developing a nuanced palate and deep appreciation for the interplay between vessel and tea.

Her specialty lies in exploring the intimate dialogue between vessel and tea — how the shape of a cup influences aroma release, how clay shapes flavor evolution over years of use, how temperature retention changes the experience. Sophie approaches Jianzhan not as collectibles, but as living tools meant to be used and seasoned over time.

Her practical guides have helped over 10,000 tea lovers worldwide develop a deeper, more intentional relationship with their tea practice.