Master Yang Junbao’s Handcrafted Squirrel Lingzhi Stump Zisha Teapot: Art Meets Function

2025-10-20 Zisha Teapot Guide Categroy：201-350cc Views：73

$385.71Handmade Yixing Zisha teapot by Yang Junbao, showcasing intricate squirrel-lingzhi design and seamless functionality. Ideal for tea rituals and art collectors.

Yixing Zisha Teapot - Yang Junbao Squirrel Lingzhi Stump Artistry 1

The Yixing purple clay teapot stands as one of the representative traditional handicrafts of China. This "Squirrel Lingzhi Stump" teapot created by craftsman Yang Junbao fully demonstrates the unique charm of zisha art. Entirely handmade, every detail reveals the artisan's dedication. With a 260CC capacity, this purple clay teapot offers the golden standard for daily use, perfect for sharing tea with friends while maintaining comfortable handling.

Yixing Zisha Teapot - Yang Junbao Squirrel Lingzhi Stump Artistry 2

The most striking feature lies in its organic shape. The teapot body replicates an aged tree stump, covered with realistic bark textures achieved through special beating and shaping techniques rather than simple carvings. The precise fit between lid and mouth ensures leak-proof performance even when inverted, showcasing the craftsman's technical mastery.

Yixing Zisha Teapot - Yang Junbao Squirrel Lingzhi Stump Artistry 3

A sculpted squirrel clutching lingzhi fungus serves as the knob's focal point. The creature's exaggerated round eyes and fluffy tail balance realism with artistic charm. The ultra-thin yet intact lingzhi cap demonstrates exceptional clay control. Crafted from aged duan clay, this chinese zisha teapot develops a warm beige hue with natural black speckles after firing, resembling weathered tree bark without artificial decoration.

Yixing Zisha Teapot - Yang Junbao Squirrel Lingzhi Stump Artistry 4

Practical considerations enhance functionality. The classic "single-curve spout" ensures smooth water flow, while the vine-shaped handle ergonomically fits palm contours. An expanded base provides stable placement. Design inspiration combines decaying wood symbolism with vibrant life - the weathered stump represents temporal accumulation, fresh lingzhi signifies vitality, and the playful squirrel adds dynamic movement, blending traditional auspicious meanings with contemporary aesthetics.

Yixing Zisha Teapot - Yang Junbao Squirrel Lingzhi Stump Artistry 5

Maintenance requires special care: use soft brushes for intricate carvings, pre-rinse with warm water, and evenly pour tea over the surface. Through gradual tea absorption in its double porous structure, the handmade yixing teapot develops a lustrous patina over time, a process called "pot nurturing."

Yixing Zisha Teapot - Yang Junbao Squirrel Lingzhi Stump Artistry 6

For tea enthusiasts, this yixing teapot serves as an ideal introduction to Chinese tea culture. Its medium size suits various teas, particularly oolong and pu'er. The lid's air vent facilitates leaf expansion, while the clay's unique porosity enhances aroma absorption, improving tea flavor with prolonged use.

Craftsman Yang Junbao skillfully merges traditional techniques with modern sensibilities. Contrasting textures between the aged stump and lively squirrel, along with simplified lingzhi patterns, breathe new life into ancient craftsmanship. Beyond appearance, functional excellence defines quality - test the cylindrical water stream, crisp flow cessation, and smooth lid rotation for craftsmanship verification.

Collectors value this purple clay teapot set for its uniqueness - each handmade piece remains irreplicable even by the same artisan. The engraved signature at the base authenticates quality while adding artistic merit. As the clay darkens with use, it becomes a living artifact recording the passage of time.

Proper initialization is crucial: boil in clean water for 30 minutes before first use to remove impurities. Dedicate it to specific tea types for purer flavor development. With proper care, this chinese yixing zisha teapot can accompany its owner for decades, becoming a cherished spiritual prop on the tea table.