Masterpiece Yixing Zisha Teapot: Li Changhong’s Kuang Square Design & Mojin Clay Craftsmanship

2025-10-15 Zisha Teapot Guide Categroy：351-450cc Views：91

Li Changhong’s Mojin clay Zisha teapot combines geometric mastery with rare ceramic artistry. 450cc capacity, evolving patina, and collector-grade craftsmanship.

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The Yixing purple clay teapot stands as a treasure among Chinese traditional handicrafts. Today's featured piece, named "Kui Square", is crafted from original dark green clay with a 450ml capacity. Created by Chinese Arts & Crafts Master Li Changhong, it represents the pinnacle of Yixing zisha teapot craftsmanship.

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Master Li Changhong remains a pivotal figure in the zisha art world. Having studied under renowned craftsman Gu Jingzhou, he has dedicated his career to purple clay artistic creation and research. This officially certified senior artisan not only excels in crafting but also promotes zisha culture. He co-authored *Appreciation of Yixing Zisha* with Gu Jingzhou and Xu Xiutang, and collaborated with Tang Bonian and Ye Longgeng on *Studies on the Practical Functions of Yixing Zisha Teaware*. These works systematically document the history and techniques of handmade Yixing teapot making, becoming essential references for zisha culture studies. Li has also published over thirty academic papers explaining clay art in accessible language, driving innovation in the purple clay teapot industry.

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The "Kui Square" demonstrates extraordinary craftsmanship. This Chinese Yixing teapot masterfully combines square and circular elements, featuring a stable rectangular body with softened edges. Creating such geometric harmony demands millimeter-level precision throughout production. Its surface comprises multiple three-dimensional facets that maintain uniform thickness while exhibiting outward tension. The most distinctive feature lies in the superimposed layers of facets, creating rich dimensionality that challenges the artisan's spatial imagination and manual skills.

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The dark green clay used in this handmade zisha teapot proves exceptionally rare. This natural mineral clay offers ideal viscosity, developing refined texture after firing. However, its temperamental nature requires experienced handling to prevent deformation during shaping. Precise temperature control during kiln firing proves crucial - excessive heat alters material properties while insufficient heating affects coloration. Successfully fired dark green clay exhibits unique cyan-blue hues with subtle green iridescence. Through daily use and maintenance, the Yixing purple clay teapot gradually develops warmer translucency, allowing collectors to enjoy its evolving patina.

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Every detail reflects meticulous craftsmanship. The angular spout and handle contrast with the faceted body, while the precision-fit lid rotates smoothly. The surface retains zisha's characteristic granular texture yet displays silken luster after polishing. As functional ware, it offers excellent breathability; as art, it embodies traditional Chinese creative wisdom.

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Zisha teapot making accumulates both time and skill. From clay selection to kneading, shaping and firing, each stage requires years of experience. Through "Kui Square", Master Li Changhong inherits techniques from predecessors like Gu Jingzhou while incorporating personal innovations. This spirit of building upon tradition ensures the continuity of Yixing teapot art across centuries. For tea enthusiasts, such practical yet collectible purple clay teapots transcend mere brewing tools - they become cultural artifacts transmitting heritage through generations.