Yang Junbao's Contentment Yixing Teapot: Artistry of Bamboo and Cicada Symbolism

2025-08-16 Zisha Teapot Guide Categroy：under 200cc Views：48

$300.00Handmade Yixing teapot with bamboo motif, 50cc capacity, cicada lid ornament, premium Qinghui clay, Yang Junbao's collectible craftsmanship.

Yixing Zisha Teapot | Yang Junbao Handcrafted Bamboo Design Collectible 1

This purple clay teapot named "Bamboo·Zhizu Changle (Contentment Brings Happiness)" was crafted by Yixing Zisha Factory No.1 using aged blue-gray clay, with a 50-milliliter capacity. Its compact size fits comfortably in hand for appreciation or tea brewing. The teapot displays grayish-blue tones with natural clay-fired granular texture, offering slightly rough yet pleasant tactile feedback.

Yixing Zisha Teapot | Yang Junbao Handcrafted Bamboo Design Collectible 2

Master artisan Yang Junbao, born in 1939, began studying zisha craftsmanship in his youth. In 1975, he joined the inaugural training program at Beijing Central Academy of Arts and Crafts alongside renowned masters like Gu Jingzhou, representing China's highest-level craft education at the time. Later, he served as professor at Oman Royal Art Academy for two years, promoting Chinese zisha culture internationally.

Yixing Zisha Teapot | Yang Junbao Handcrafted Bamboo Design Collectible 3

Inspired by bamboo, this yixing teapot features twin-sectioned "Huan Bamboo" body resembling gently closed bamboo tubes, presenting simple yet dignified aesthetics. The precision-fitted lid seamlessly integrates with the pot mouth, appearing as original part of the vessel. Curved spout and handle mimic naturally grown bamboo branches, maintaining balanced proportions for comfortable pouring.

Yixing Zisha Teapot | Yang Junbao Handcrafted Bamboo Design Collectible 4

The lid's distinctive cicada ornament adds functionality and symbolism. This meticulously carved insect with visible wing veins serves as practical lid handle. When steam rises during tea brewing, it creates illusion of summer cicada chorus in bamboo groves.

Yixing Zisha Teapot | Yang Junbao Handcrafted Bamboo Design Collectible 5

Dual cultural meanings emerge through design: bamboo symbolizes humility (hollow stems representing open-mindedness), while "cicada" (zhīliáo) phonetically echoes "contentment" (zhīzú), forming the maxim "Zhizu Changle". This zisha teapot embodies Chinese philosophy urging people to find joy through gratitude.

Yixing Zisha Teapot | Yang Junbao Handcrafted Bamboo Design Collectible 6

Crafting such purple clay teapot demands exceptional skill. Aged clay ensures even coloration and tea aroma preservation. Bamboo node textures require uniform hand-carving with specialized tools. Spout angles undergo repeated adjustments for drip-free pouring. The thumb-sized cicada sculpture represents peak difficulty - minor errors during molding ruin entire work.

Yixing Zisha Teapot | Yang Junbao Handcrafted Bamboo Design Collectible 7

Beyond functional teaware, this handmade yixing teapot crystallizes Chinese traditional craftsmanship. It harmonizes natural elements with cultural symbolism, reflecting "unity of heaven and humanity" philosophy. Yang Junbao's four-decade expertise transforms simple clay into vibrant art. Each tea session with this vessel offers tactile warmth and meditative imagery of bamboo shadows with cicada songs.

Such artisan works grow increasingly precious. Full handmade process requires nearly a month for shaping, carving, and firing, contrasting modern mold-produced counterparts. This "Contentment Brings Happiness" teapot carries both craftsman's warmth and veteran artist's cultural devotion. Tracing fingers along its granular surface connects users to China's millennium-old ceramic heritage.