Exquisite Hand-Carved Yixing Cloud Dragon Teapot: A Masterpiece by Zhang Weijun

2025-07-20 Zisha Teapot Guide Categroy：under 200cc Views：17

$642.86Master Zhang Weijun's 50cc Yixing teapot boasts hand-carved dragon浮雕工艺 using rare Zhu Ni clay. A prized collectible demonstrating elite ceramic artistry.

Yixing Carved Dragon Teapot | Master Zhang Weijun | Zhu Ni Clay Art 1

The Yixing zisha teapot is a treasure among traditional Chinese handicrafts. Today's featured zisha teapot bears a special name - "Cloud Dragon Relief", created by Master Zhang Weijun. As a nationally certified senior craft artist in China, Master Zhang has over three decades of experience in purple clay teapot making. This particular handmade Yixing teapot uses unique material called Lipi Zhuni clay, a family-inherited aged material naturally preserved for decades, developing exceptionally fine and smooth texture.

Yixing Carved Dragon Teapot | Master Zhang Weijun | Zhu Ni Clay Art 2

With a compact 50cc capacity, this Chinese zisha teapot presents significant craftsmanship challenges despite its small size. The most remarkable feature is the relief-carved surface. Master Zhang first sketches the cloud-dragon motif on the teapot body, then hand-carves three-dimensional patterns using specialized tools. Details like dragon scales and cloud patterns require meticulous carving over hundreds of hours, testing both patience and skill.

Yixing Carved Dragon Teapot | Master Zhang Weijun | Zhu Ni Clay Art 3

The cloud and dragon hold special cultural significance - the dragon symbolizes power and fortune while clouds represent natural fluidity. On this Yixing purple clay teapot, the relief-carved dragon appears to swim through misty clouds. Light interplay on the carved surfaces creates lifelike shadows, an effect only achievable by experienced masters.

Yixing Carved Dragon Teapot | Master Zhang Weijun | Zhu Ni Clay Art 4

The Lipi Zhuni clay exhibits unique characteristics: firing to warm orange-red hue with pear-skin texture. Touching the surface reveals both carved patterns and the clay's inherent fineness. Decades of mineral sedimentation in this family-stored material ensures durability and crack resistance during firing.

Yixing Carved Dragon Teapot | Master Zhang Weijun | Zhu Ni Clay Art 5

This 50cc zisha teapot perfectly suits Gongfu tea brewing. Its compact size enables quick infusion while maintaining optimal flavor. The precision-designed spout creates elegant water streams without dripping, and the lid fits seamlessly with gentle rotation.

Yixing Carved Dragon Teapot | Master Zhang Weijun | Zhu Ni Clay Art 6

Proper maintenance is crucial. New purple clay teapots require gradual seasoning with tea to develop natural luster. The relief carving demands careful cleaning - soft-bristled brushes preserve delicate details.

Yixing Carved Dragon Teapot | Master Zhang Weijun | Zhu Ni Clay Art 7

As collectible art, this Yixing teapot holds multiple values: rare hand-carving craftsmanship in machine-age production, irreplaceable heritage clay material, and innovative reinterpretation of traditional motifs through three-dimensional art.

Yixing Carved Dragon Teapot | Master Zhang Weijun | Zhu Ni Clay Art 8

Master Zhang personally oversees every creation stage - from clay preparation to final carving. His engraved signature at the base guarantees authenticity. For tea enthusiasts, this handmade Yixing zisha teapot serves both as functional utensil and inheritable artwork.

Yixing Carved Dragon Teapot | Master Zhang Weijun | Zhu Ni Clay Art 9

Such complex relief-carved teapots grow increasingly precious as handmade zisha works diminish. Each use offers not just tea enjoyment but appreciation of artisan spirit, making it ideal for personal use or as cultural gift conveying Chinese tradition's beauty.