The characteristic feature of this conical Jian-type (建) tea bowl is its black iron oxide glaze known as 'hare's fur'. The use of different concentrations of iron-oxide, which crystallised during firing, produced reddish-brown splashes on a black ground. Jian wares were used by the ruling elites as well as by monks and ordinary people. Japanese monks who travelled to China found these bowls being used for tea. The monks were so charmed by them, they brought the bowls back to Japan, where they were later imitated.
