Azure & Crimson Fish-Algae

Step into the elegance of Ming Dynasty porcelain with this handcrafted Azure & Crimson Fish-Algae Press-Hand Cup—a modern tribute to China’s iconic imperial ceramic art.

Design & Symbolism: The “Fish-Algae” Motif

The cup’s exterior features a vibrant underglaze painting of swimming carp (carp = “abundance” & “success” in Chinese culture) intertwined with lotus, water weeds, and floating red algae. The cobalt blue (qinghua) and copper red (youlihong) hues are fired at 1,300°C—mimicking the rare “qinghua-youlihong” technique (valued for its difficulty to master, as copper red is sensitive to firing temperatures). The rim is framed by a classic key-pattern border (a symbol of eternity), while the foot displays delicate scrollwork.