[Stone Gourd]
A gourd cup for a simple life, its shape with tension holds a wondrous charm.
The sound of stone resonates far, and with tripod legs, it heralds new poetry.
Period: Qing Dynasty
Made by: Chen Mansheng
Description: The body of the pot is trapezoidal, with soft and smooth curves, giving an appearance that is thick and rustic. The spout is straight, simple yet powerful, often integrated into the overall shape of the pot. The handle is mostly in the form of an inverted triangle, complementing the shape of the pot to create a harmonious aesthetic effect. The lid is flat and the knob bridge-shaped, clean and neat with appropriate proportions, fully embodying the characteristic of exquisite craftsmanship.
[Antique]
Its might without a drum is like a drum, its scholarly belly pays homage to the sages of old.
Low-key and refined, it cultivates diligently, joyfully serving as a sage of the earth.
Period: Modern
Made by: Gu Jingzhou
Description: The Antique teapot is a classic type among many styles of zisha Teapots. This teapot has a plump, sturdy neck that contrasts with the lower shoulder. The body is large, squat, and flat. The rim is wide, and the mother-and-child lines fit tightly, air-tight. The lid is flat and full, and the knob is flat and round.
[Gongchun]
The beauty of the past praised sickly plum trees, but there's no need to lament the tree burls anymore.
The master should recognize the greatness of nature, Gongchun's discerning eye leads the way.
Period: Ming Dynasty
Made by: Gong Chun
Description: Gongchun was a scholar's servant. While accompanying his master to study at Yixing's Jingsha Temple, an old monk in the temple was skilled in making zisha teapots, and Gongchun learned secretly. Later, he used the clay sedimented at the bottom of the monk's washing jar to imitate the shape of the burl on a large Silver apricot tree next to Jingsha Temple and carved the patterns found on the burl. After firing, the teapot turned out to be very quaint and lovely. Thus, this kind of zisha teapot, imitating natural forms, became famous, and people called it a Gongchun teapot.
[Ball Gatherer]
No need to compare it to a gourd or a embroidered ball, its cover is lofty, its neck elegant, and its body round and smooth.
Praised for its ladylike demeanor, it is impressive from afar and up close.
Period: Qing Dynasty
Made by: Shao Daheng
Description: The body of the teapot is large and round, robust and lush. The spout is short and protrudes forward with beautiful curves. The handle extends freely, graceful and unrestrained. The mouth is slightly smaller, the lid is slightly arched, and the knob is spherical. The whole piece is generous and dignified, with vibrant spirit and liveliness.
[Wall Handle]
The curved wall handle is high, the body is jade-like and lustrous, with a chamber full of both softness and strength.
Like the Heishi jade returning to Zhao, we praise Xiangru's ingenious plan.
Period: Modern
Made by: Gu Jingzhou
Description: The Wall Handle teapot has an upright and well-proportioned shape, with a rigorous structure and harmonious proportions. The voids and solids are well-coordinated, and the lines and surfaces are simple and clear, blending delicacy within robustness. It is characterized by a pure and simple elegance, being deep and unadorned, achieving a perfect unity of content, form, and function. It is a masterpiece in contemporary zisha Pottery, combining material beauty, craftsmanship, content, form, and function—the “five beauties” into one. In 2011, Gu Jingzhou's Wall Handle teapot sold for the sky-high price of 17,825,000 RMB.
[Fish Turning into Dragon]
Flashing scales await transformation, the soul of a hero braves storms and winds.
After three lifetimes of cultivation, today it leaps through the dragon gate with luck.
Period: Qing Dynasty
Made by: Shao Daheng
Description: The “Fish Turning into Dragon” teapot is also known as the “Dragon Teapot,” “Fish-Dragon Teapot,” “Fish-Dragon Playing in Waves Teapot,” and embodies the aspirations of rising to prominence and advancing steadily. According to historical records, during the late Ming dynasty, the zisha artisan Chen Zhongmei made a “Dragon Playing in the Sea” teapot, but no actual pieces have survived. Not until the Qing dynasty, after Shao Daheng's meticulous design, did the “Fish Turning into Dragon” teapot become a mature and widely disseminated classic type.
[Dragon Head Eight-Trigram Bundle of Bamboo]
Clouds bring rain for the prosperity of the nation, great indeed is the primordial energy, enjoying benefit and correctness.
Eight eights in myriad transformations, how many blessings sing of peace and prosperity.
Period: Qing Dynasty
Made by: Shao Daheng
Description: Shao Daheng, the maker of the Dragon Head Eight-Trigram Bundle of Bamboo, was a major figure in zisha during the Daoguang and Xianfeng years. He had already gained a reputation in his youth, and the zisha grandmaster Gu Jingzhou praised him extensively. Among these praises was the statement, “In the more than 150 years since the Qianlong period, there has been none who surpasses him.” This speaks volumes about the level of his skill.
[Well Parapet]
Seams tight and guarded, true love and great affection dedicated to the common people.
Clarity from an inexhaustible source filled with spiritual energy, profound wisdom abounds deeply.
Period: Qing Dynasty
Made by: Yang Pengnian (Made) Chen Mansheng (Inscribed)
Description: The color of this teapot leans towards yellow with purple hues, sand particles are visible on the surface, and many small spots are scattered throughout, which is due to the firing temperature approaching the critical point. The shape is simple, resembling a well parapet, the embedded lid fits smoothly with the body, and the tall columnar knob is consistent with the body. The spout is bent and subtly curved. The handle is large, flat on the outside, and rounded on the inside, while the base is round and large. Its shape is one of the earliest streamline designs,