In the vast array of Yixing teapot shapes, many have evolved from each other, leading to a number of models that are extremely similar, often confusing enthusiasts. The most typical examples are the “Xishi (Beauty), Wndan (Pomelo), and Longdan (Dragon Egg)” round Teapots.
01
Longdan Teapot
The Qing dynasty's Wu Dingmei, in his work Yangxian Minghu Fu (“Ode to Yangxian Teapots”), wrote: “Round ones resemble balls, slightly elongated, known as Longdan.” This is the earliest description of the Longdan teapot style.
The Longdan teapot is particularly endearing, with an oval line forming its basic outline. Its shape is simple, smooth, and robust, creating a strong overall impression.
The Longdan teapot is also known as the “Longdan teapot,” named for its resemblance to a dragon's egg.
▲ Qing Dynasty Longdan Teapot
The Longdan style retains traces of the Ming dynasty aesthetic, favoring naturalness, strength, and simplicity in its design.
This is an early Qing piece, featuring a straight spout, sturdy and practical.
▲ Qing Dynasty Longdan Teapot
This is a mid-to-late Qing piece. The spout has been modified, and this version has become a classic design passed down through generations. It features a triangular cone-shaped spout that starts thick at the base and tapers dramatically toward the mouth. The handle is large and drooping, matching the shape of the body.
▲ Longdan Teapot in Golden Segment
The characteristics of the Longdan teapot include a distinct oval body, a long spout that protrudes prominently from the body, with a thicker base. Both upright and drooping handles are common.
The Wndan and Xishi teapots are both variations derived from the Longdan model.
▲ Longdan Teapot in Dark Red Robe
In Eastern culture, dragons are considered supreme auspicious symbols. Naming this teapot “Dragon Egg” conveys a beautiful wish and blessing. The round and adorable shape, combined with the lucky and beautiful symbolism, imbues the “Dragon Egg” teapot with a sense of naive charm and familiarity.
02
Wndan Teapot
The Longdan teapot comes in tall and short versions, with the shorter and rounder ones referred to as Wndan.
Wndan was created during the late Ming and early Qing dynasties. Its shape is similar to that of the Xishi and Gui Fei (Empress) teapots, which were developed in the mid-to-late Qing period. These latter two emphasize delicacy and grace, while the former focuses on antiquity and simplicity, reflecting the prevailing artistic aesthetics of the time.
▲ Wndan Pomelo
The Wndan teapot is short and round, just like its name suggests, resembling the shape of a Wndan pomelo. Its lines are restrained and elegant, with a more scholarly air.
The body is shorter and more rounded, with a circular spout and a flattened bead-shaped lid knob. The handle is also full and graceful, with a drooping appearance.
▲ Qing Dynasty Wndan Teapot
The phrase “modeling after beauty, refined like a lady, noble like Xi Shi” refers to the Wndan teapot.
▲ Qing Dynasty Wndan Teapot
The characteristics of the Wndan teapot include a rounder shape than the Longdan, with noticeable curves in the body. The spout and handle are typically drooping and wide.
▲ Wndan Teapot in Red Slope Mud
03
Xishi Teapot
The Xishi teapot, a classic shape, evolved from the above-mentioned models. It has a plump body, a cut-off lid, a short spout, and a drooping handle, giving it a cute and delicate appearance.
▲ Qing Dynasty Xishi Teapot
The earliest Xishi teapots did not have the full and rounded shape we see today but rather had a slight curve. Let's appreciate an early Xishi teapot.
This is a Qing dynasty Xishi teapot made of red clay, bearing the mark of Mengchen. The body does not have the pronounced changes seen in the Wndan, the spout is similar, but the drooping handle is smaller.
▲ Xishi Teapot by Gu Jingzhou
This is a small Xishi teapot crafted by Mr. Gu Jingzhou. We can see that the Xishi of that era was somewhat different from what we see today.
▲ Contemporary Xishi Teapot
The characteristics of the Xishi teapot are that compared to the Wndan and Longdan, its body is even more plump and round, the spout is shorter, and the handle is smaller and more delicate.
The Xishi teapot may appear simple, but it is meticulously designed, almost as if naturally formed. It is a classic teapot shape that every Yixing lover must collect.
▲ Xishi Teapot in Taiwan West Trough Green
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Differences Between Longdan, Wndan, and Xishi Teapots
1. The Longdan teapot has an egg-like body, oval in shape, with a longer spout. Both upright and drooping handles are common.
2. The Wndan teapot is shorter, with noticeable curves in the body, typically featuring a larger drooping handle.
3. The Xishi teapot is nearly round, typically with a drooping handle