Ru ware
Ru ware is Northern Song court ceramic, known for sky-blue glaze and fine crackle.
What sets Ru apart
It lasted only decades
Ru was made for the Song court for just a few decades around 1100. Nearly all surviving pieces sit in museums.
The color is soft
People describe it as the sky after rain. Good Ru glaze is quiet and opaque, closer to jade than to glass.
The crackle keeps going
Modern Ru-style cups keep crazing for months. You may hear tiny pings, and tea slowly darkens the lines.
The color of the sky after rain.
What to look for
Almost everything sold as Ru today is modern Ru-style work, whatever the label says. Genuine Song pieces reach only top auction houses. Dry crackled cups fully after use, since damp crackle can grow mold.
Ru ware
Hand-picked pieces are on the way.
Good to know
What is Ru ware?
Ru ware is a rare Northern Song ceramic made for the imperial court in Henan. It is prized for its soft sky-blue glaze and fine crackle.
Why does my Ru cup make a pinging sound?
It is the glaze crackling. Body and glaze contract at different rates, so new fine lines can form, often when hot water goes in. This is normal.
Should I use soap on a crackled tea cup?
It is better not to. Soap can seep into the crackle and taint your tea. Rinse with hot water and air dry fully.
