This Zisha teapot, crafted by Jiang Yaping, features a unique fish-to-dragon design.

2025-10-20 Zisha Teapot Guide Categroy：under 200cc Views：2

$342.86This Zisha teapot, priced at 2400 CNY, is a masterpiece by Jiang Yaping, a national-level senior craftsman in fine arts. As a distinguished disciple of

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The Yixing zisha teapot stands as a unique representative of traditional Chinese handicrafts. This tea ware not only serves practical functions but also carries profound cultural significance. The highlighted Yixing teapot is the classic work "Fish Transforming into Dragon" crafted by national-level senior craft artist Jiang Yaping. As a distinguished disciple of master Gu Shaopei, Jiang has infused this purple clay teapot with vibrant vitality through exquisite craftsmanship.

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Made from precious raw ore dark green clay, this 20cc zisha teapot showcases meticulous design details. The most distinctive feature is its diamond-shaped nine-hole water outlet structure at the base, ensuring smooth pouring while effectively filtering tea leaves, exemplifying the perfect fusion of functionality and aesthetics in teapot making.

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The most striking feature of this handmade Yixing zisha teapot is the movable dragon head mechanism on the lid. When tilting the teapot, the dragon head automatically extends with a slender tongue protruding from its mouth. Returning the teapot to horizontal position retracts the dragon head, creating vivid imagery reminiscent of a mythical creature playing in water. This ingenious mechanical structure demonstrates special techniques passed down through generations of zisha artisans.

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The rounded body of this Chinese zisha teapot features orderly wave patterns. Among the swirling ripples, one side displays a majestic dragon head holding a glowing pearl, while the opposite shows a carp leaping from water. This "carp leaping through dragon gate" motif symbolizes auspicious success through perseverance, reflecting a classic theme in Chinese cultural art.

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The handle adorned with delicate fish scales complements the wave patterns. The lid's three-dimensional wave design incorporates an exquisitely carved emerging dragon head. These details preserve traditional zisha teapot characteristics while enhancing dimensional effects through modern craftsmanship.

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Crafting this Yixing purple clay teapot presented multiple challenges. Artisans precisely controlled clay moisture for carving during semi-dry stages. The movable dragon head required both smooth operation and perfect lid integration. Wave patterns underwent dozens of adjustments to achieve clear layering without visual clutter. Such meticulous processes create the teapot's unique artistic value.

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The dark green clay transforms into jade-like texture after high-temperature firing. Rich in iron elements, this natural mineral clay develops natural patina over time, deepening its luminous hue. Like living artifacts, quality zisha teapots evolve through tea interactions, a key reason for their enduring appeal.

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This china purple clay teapot exemplifies ergonomic design. Calculated spout and handle angles ensure drip-free pouring. The 20cc capacity suits individual tea sessions, particularly for quick-brewing oolong teas. Despite compact size, even wall thickness provides excellent heat retention.

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As an outstanding representative of Chinese craftsmanship, zisha teapot making has been listed as intangible cultural heritage. Classic designs like "Fish Transforming into Dragon" preserve centuries-old traditions while revitalizing ancient skills through innovation. Each handmade yixing teapot remains a unique artwork embodying artisan wisdom and dedication.

This purple clay teapot's creation involves over thirty complex processes from clay preparation to high-temperature firing. Master Jiang improved traditional dragon head mechanisms for smoother operation and durability, demonstrating the innovative spirit vital to zisha craftsmanship's continuity.

For collectors, the value of a Chinese yixing teapot lies not only in utility but also cultural depth and artistic expression. "Fish Transforming into Dragon" integrates mythology into daily tea rituals, allowing users to experience traditional culture's charm through tea appreciation—a philosophy explaining zisha teapots' enduring popularity across six centuries.

Today, increasing numbers of international enthusiasts appreciate the unique charm of Yixing teapots. This "Fish Transforming into Dragon" masterpiece showcases Chinese craftsmanship's sophistication through dynamic forms and ingenious designs. As tea flows from the dragon's mouth, it conveys not just aromatic brews but also cultural narratives transcending time and space.