This blue teacup is made of glazed ceramic. It has a cylindrical shape that reinforces the bamboo design on the front. The bamboo stalk and leaves were carved away from the underglaze coat to reveal the raw white ceramic texture before the second firing. The underglaze has a beautiful indigo blue gradation from top to bottom, and horizontal lines (perhaps brushstrokes from applying the underglaze while on a wheel). This teacup would be for everyday use (no saucer, which would likely accompany a formal teacup).
