Zisha Jingzhou Shi Piao yixing clay woodfired teapot # 94822

Translation: "Zisha Jingzhou Shi-piao" — a purple‑clay (Yixing) Shi‑piao teapot in the style or attribution of Gu Jingzhou.

Brief history: Yixing (zisha) teapots have been produced in Jiangsu province since the Ming dynasty and were refined over centuries into a wide vocabulary of functional, hand‑made forms. Gu Jingzhou (顾景舟, 1915–1996) was one of the most celebrated 20th‑century Yixing masters; he helped revive traditional forms and set high standards for proportion, surface finish, and clay handling. Many contemporary pieces are described as “Jingzhou” style or attributed to him; without provenance or a verifiable seal, it is ambiguous whether a particular object is an original by Gu Jingzhou or a later work made in his manner.

Shape note: The Shi‑piao (石瓢) is a classic, utilitarian Yixing form. Typically compact and low‑profile, it often features a slightly flattened, somewhat ovoid body, a short straight spout, a simple flush lid with a low knob, and a modest loop handle. The design emphasizes balanced proportions and ease of pouring rather than ornament. Made in zisha clay, such teapots are prized for their tactile finish and ability to season with regular use.

Wood-fired handmade Yixing teapot made from Duanni clay sourced from the original Huanglongshan mine. Xu Shun Wei.