Artisan-Crafted Xishi Zisha Teapot: Masterpieces by Bao Yuhua & Li Wei

2025-10-15 Zisha Teapot Guide Categroy：under 200cc Views：14

$171.43Master-crafted Yixing teapot in classic Xishi style, featuring plum engravings by ceramic artist Li Wei. 170cc capacity, aged purple clay, seamless 14-hole pour system.

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Allow me to introduce this classic Yixing purple clay teapot in detail. Named "Xi Shi," this teapot was handcrafted by National Craft Artist Bao Yuhua. With over thirty years dedicated to zisha art, Ms. Bao's creations are celebrated for their precise shaping and fluid lines, earning high acclaim in teapot collecting circles.

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The decorative elements were completed by Master Li Wei, Jiangsu Provincial Ceramic Art Master, professor at Wuxi Institute of Arts and Technology and Dean of the School of Art Design, also serving as Vice President of Yixing Landscape Painting Association. His engraved works on zisha teapot surfaces have won multiple national awards, skillfully blending traditional calligraphy/painting with purple clay craftsmanship. The plum blossom motif he designed features vigorous branches and delicate petals, capturing winter plum blossoms braving snow.

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Crafted from precious aged deep-well purple clay sourced from Huanglong Mountain's deep mines in Yixing, this material underwent natural aging for over two decades. When fired, the clay develops unique purplish-red hues that gradually acquire a soft patina with use, enhancing its antique charm.

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The 170ml capacity makes it practical for 2-3 tea drinkers. Its classic Xi Shi silhouette features rounded contours with a gently bulging body resembling a maiden's cheek. The short spout incorporates a 14-hole diamond-shaped structure ensuring smooth water flow and effective tea leaf filtration. The inverted ear-shaped handle balances the spout perfectly, offering comfortable grip.

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Notable details include a perfectly fitted lid that remains secure even when inverted, a spherical knob mirroring the body's curves, and a specially polished base for stable placement. Weighing approximately 400g, it maintains structural integrity without heaviness.

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Master Li's engraving shines through bold plum branch carvings and semi-open blossoms using traditional chiseling techniques. The varying incision depths preserve the clay's natural texture while creating three-dimensional effects. Opposite the design, the inscription "Floating Subtle Fragrance" in running script complements the theme.

Beyond artistic merit, this 170ml teapot excels functionally. Its size fits comfortably in palms, while the 14-hole design ensures controlled brewing for green/black teas. The purple clay's insulation maintains ideal temperatures year-round.

For collectors, this piece holds special significance as it combines two masters' expertise: Bao's technical mastery ensures quality craftsmanship, while Li's decoration elevates artistic value. The rare aged clay enhances its collectibility, promising increasingly lustrous patina over time.

Proper maintenance involves initial warm water rinsing, regular tea residue removal, and avoiding chemical cleaners. When storing long-term, ensure complete dryness. With proper care, this teapot can accompany its owner for decades as a cultural heirloom.

Whether for daily use or display, this "Xi Shi" purple clay teapot embodies traditional functionality with modern aesthetics. Novices appreciate its user-friendly design, while connoisseurs value its collaborative mastery. It promises to enhance tea sessions with elegant charm, becoming a cherished centerpiece in any tea ceremony.