Since its inception during the Ming Dynasty and flourishing in the Qing Dynasty, the Zisha Teapot has developed for hundreds of years, with countless shapes. The most classic Teapots are not only appreciated for their beautiful designs but also for their unique cultural connotations that resonate with many enthusiasts.
Among them, there are ten classic Zisha teapot shapes, each with its own story or symbolism, conveying profound and enduring truths that elucidate the philosophy of life.
【Stone Spout】— Temperance
The Stone Spout is a traditional classic style of Zisha teapot, elegant and upright.
It is said that the original name was Stone Kettle, but during the Republic of China period, Mr. Jingzhou suggested the meaning “Of all the water in the world, I will Drink but one cup,” renaming it the Stone Spout Teapot, which has been used ever since.
The Stone Spout tells us to be content with what we have and not to be overly greedy. Material desires are never fully satisfied, “With a thousand acres of fertile land, one can eat no more than three bowls per meal. With ten thousand rooms, one can sleep in no more than one bed.” Excessive possessions burden us.
【Imitation Ancient】— Courage
The Imitation Ancient Teapot, also known as the Imitation Drum Teapot, is inspired by ancient battlefield drums. During battles, drumming would spur on the troops, and the urgent beat signaled the charge.
The body is flat yet powerful, the lid knob is flat and round, exuding an inspiring and forceful presence. Life should be like the Imitation Ancient Teapot, charging forward when needed, courage giving us the strength to move forward.
【Rongtian】— Tolerance
Inspired by the large-bellied Luohan from Buddhism, named after the saying “A large belly that can hold all worldly matters.”
A slightly short neck is added to the full-bodied teapot, the lid is raised into a hemispherical shape, adding a touch of naive charm. Visually stable and generous, it is deep and profound in its simplicity. Rongtian teaches us that we need to be tolerant in life, looking at the world with compassion, forgiving others and treating ourselves well without worrying too much about gains and losses or weighing the pros and cons.
【Qin Quan】— Integrity
Qin Quan: After Qin unified the six states, they standardized weights and measures, “Quan” was the weight used on a scale. The Qin Quan Teapot is modeled after this shape.
The uniform shape, its integrity, neither leaning nor swaying, makes the weight a standard for measurement. The Qin Quan Teapot reminds us that one must be “integrity-driven,” as the saying goes, “a straight body fears no shadows,” only by being upright can we live freely and happily. This is the first rule of being a person.
【Well Parapet】— Roots
Chen Mansheng designed the Well Parapet Teapot based on the stone well parapet from Lingling Temple during the Tang Dynasty, where “well parapet” also symbolizes home in ancient culture.
“When eating the fruit, think of the tree; when drinking the stream, remember the source.” Drinking water while thinking of its source is an important concept in Chinese traditional culture, reminding us not to forget our “roots” no matter where we are or what position we hold.
【Hollow Flat】— Humility
The Hollow Flat has evolved through history.
From the leather goods of ethnic minorities to Han Chinese bronze and ceramics, from practical vessels on horsebacks to elegant playthings on the desks of literati, from containers for water and wine to teapots filled with fragrant Tea, the rugged beauty of leather goods has been transformed through Zisha into something reserved, inclusive, and elegant.
The Hollow Flat's rounded shape gives off a feeling of humility and freedom. Its distinctive personality and beautiful design make it endlessly enjoyable to play with.
【Smiling Cherry】— Harmony
It is said that the design of the Smiling Cherry Teapot originates from the historical anecdote “Yingning's smile dispels a thousand sorrows.”
The heavy and solid shape exudes an uncompromising hard man style, evoking an impassioned state. The harmonious and coordinated colors flowing together express the spirit of “gentlemen can be harmonious but different” in traditional Chinese culture.
【Half Moon】— Reflection
The Half Moon Teapot has always occupied a place with its simplicity, elegance, and dignity, remaining popular from ancient times to the present day.
“The moon sends thoughts over a thousand miles, a half moon stirs even stronger emotions across ten thousand miles.” A teapot speaks not only of simple longing but also expresses the traditional Chinese aspiration for “moon and people both full and complete.”
【Partridge Handle】— Affection
The Partridge Handle Teapot was created by Gu Jingzhou when he was living in Shanghai with his sick wife for treatment. The sound of the partridge's call sounds like “Can't go on, brother,” so the ancients often chose the partridge for memorial laments.
Gu Jingzhou sensed the severity of his wife's illness, and vaguely heard the frantic call of the partridge. Indeed, the following year, his wife passed away, and the Partridge Handle Teapot represented Gu Jingzhou's affection for his wife.
Men and women in the world cannot escape the word “affection.” May you cherish those you love and be loved, weathering storms together on the sea of life.
【Bamboo Segment Teapot】— Gentleness
The Bamboo Segment Teapot is a classic shape inspired by bamboo. The classical form, with a straight and robust body, gives a sense of solidity. The spout, handle, and lid knob are also shaped like bamboo segments, vividly natural and gracefully upright.
Bamboo is naturally refined, and so is the teapot. Once Su Dongpo said, “Better to live without meat than without bamboo.” Bamboo and rocks in paintings by Board Bridge convey the sentiments of literati. Now bamboo is embodied in a teapot, further enhancing its elegance. At times, it seems as if an ancient breeze gently blows, and other times, it seems as if a gentleman gracefully approaches.
Playing with a teapot is not just an external behavior but also reflects the character of the person playing with it. Perhaps we love a particular shape not just for its appearance but for the virtue it represents!