Linglong Floral Deity Tea Cup

Handcrafted Jingdezhen Porcelain

This is the famous Chinese Linglong tea cup — a cup covered with tiny openings, yet completely watertight.

Because of its delicate translucent appearance, it was given the beautiful name:

“Linglong Cup”

(玲珑杯 — Exquisite Porcelain Cup)

This type of porcelain is unique to China and is now recognized as part of China’s intangible cultural heritage.

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Transparent, Yet Never Leaking

I discovered this particular cup while searching for porcelain treasures in Jingdezhen, the most famous porcelain city in China.

Creating a Linglong cup is extremely difficult.

After the porcelain body is completed, the craftsman must carefully carve tiny openings by hand into the surface of the cup.

A very thin layer of glaze is then applied over these openings.

After high-temperature firing, the result becomes:

translucent when light passes through,

while still remaining completely sealed.

This is why Linglong porcelain is often described as:

“transparent, but not leaking.”

When light shines through the cup, the carved openings softly glow from within.

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A Beautiful Accident in Chinese History

The invention of Linglong porcelain was actually an accident.

Historically, craftsmen were producing a porcelain incense burner when glaze unexpectedly flowed into carved openings during firing.

After the kiln cooled, the openings became softly luminous and transparent.

People were amazed by the effect, and the technique slowly evolved into one of Jingdezhen’s most famous porcelain traditions.

Ancient emperors even wrote poems praising this porcelain, and for a long time it became one of the exclusive wares used by nobles and royal families.

Today, Linglong porcelain is still regarded as one of the:

“Four Great Porcelain Styles of Jingdezhen.”

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Floral Deity Design

This version features a delicate floral deity motif, combining traditional Linglong craftsmanship with elegant Chinese tea aesthetics.

Under warm light, the translucent openings create a soft glowing effect around the artwork and porcelain body.

It becomes more than just a tea cup — it feels almost like a small porcelain lantern during tea sessions.

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Specifications

Diameter: 5.6 cm
Height: 4.9 cm
Capacity: 45 ml

Perfect for:

• gongfu tea sessions
• pu’er tea
• oolong tea
• collectible tea ware
• traditional Chinese tea aesthetics

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A Tea Cup Unlike Ordinary Porcelain

Some cups simply hold tea.

This one carries light inside the porcelain itself.

A piece of Jingdezhen craftsmanship,
made for tea drinkers who love traditional Chinese tea culture.