“The blue that emanates from the clouds after the rain,” is how the Emperor Chai-Rong of the Later Zhou Dynasty described the beauty of ceramics. This “blue after the rain” bluish-green glaze represents the apex of Chinese ceramics. Chao-po Chen trained as a mechanic, but today he’s not much of a plumber, as he’s dedicated his life to crafting charming china pieces. He employs some of his pieces in his own studio to create that quiet ambience conducive to creation, and employs others in practicing the art of brewing tea, in homage to the best traditions of the Song Dynasty.