Crane in Pond Ceramic Tray

Handcrafted by Li Yao, CN, c. 2024.

A delicate blue-and-white porcelain piece featuring a crane poised gracefully by a pond, this ceramic tray is both functional and evocative. Designed to hold small objects, fruits, or desserts, it transforms everyday moments into quiet reflections of nature. Each creation is one of a kind, embodying the belief that no two moments—or objects—should ever be the same.

Li Yao’s work celebrates the fleeting beauty of life. Since 2002, she has reimagined classic Chinese motifs—cranes, rabbits, and florals—through vibrant red-and-green enamel and intricate blue-and-white porcelain. Inspired by the world around her, from the graceful cranes at sunset to the blooming flowers of Hangzhou, her ceramics bridge the past and present, offering a fresh perspective on tradition while honoring its enduring beauty.

Sold individually.

• Dishwasher safe but handwash recommended

“Like the rise and fall of the sun, I work in continuous cycles, with each piece I create capturing my life, day by day.”

Yao Li’s ceramics are a celebration of life’s fleeting moments. Since 2002, she has dedicated herself to creating one-of-a-kind pieces that reimagine classic Chinese motifs—like cranes, rabbits, and florals—through vibrant red-and-green enamel and delicate blue-and-white porcelain. Each piece is unique, reflecting her belief that no two moments, or creations, should ever be the same.

Inspired by the world around her—whether it’s the graceful cranes at sunset, the playful bunnies in her garden, or the blooming flowers of Hangzhou—Yao Li translates these everyday scenes into timeless cultural expressions. Her work bridges the past and present, offering a fresh perspective on tradition while honoring its enduring beauty.