Master Xu Yuanming's Golden Sand Clay Teapot: 20cc Dragon Kiln Craftsmanship

2025-05-21 Zisha Teapot Guide Categroy：under 200cc Views：4

$385.7120cc golden sand clay teapot, handcrafted by National Craft Artists using ancient dragon kiln techniques. Collector-grade zisha art from Jingzhou lineage masters.

Zisha Teapots: The Perfect Fusion of Heritage and Art

As a traditional Chinese tea utensil, zisha teapots carry profound cultural connotations and exquisite craftsmanship. This zisha teapot priced at 2700 CNY is not only a practical tool for brewing tea but also a highly collectible work of art. It belongs to the "Lianzi" series by Gu Mai Xu Men and Jingzhou’s successor, meticulously crafted by Wu Yayi, a national-level senior craftsman in fine arts. Wu Yayi, a distinguished student under Provincial Master Xu Yuanming, inherits the essence of the Xu school's zisha teapot techniques, blending traditional skills with modern aesthetics to imbue each piece with unique artistic charm.

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This zisha teapot is made from premium gold sand, fired in an ancient dragon kiln using wood, with a capacity of 20cc. Gold sand is an extremely rare clay material known for its fine texture and warm color, offering high plasticity and durability. The wood-fired process in an ancient dragon kiln imparts a distinctive texture and character to the zisha teapot through the high temperature and ash generated by burning wood. This technique not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the teapot but also improves its usability, making it more durable and less prone to damage.

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Inheritance and Innovation of Gu Mai Xu Men

Gu Mai Xu Men, one of the significant schools in zisha teapot production, is renowned for its unique design and exquisite craftsmanship. The "Lianzi" series by Jingzhou’s successor exemplifies this school's excellence. As a favored disciple of Jingzhou’s, Wu Yayi has mastered traditional teapot-making techniques and continuously innovates, infusing her own insights and understanding into her works. She excels at incorporating modern elements while preserving traditional styles, ensuring that zisha teapots retain classical elegance while meeting contemporary aesthetic demands.

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The design inspiration for this zisha teapot comes from the lotus flower, symbolizing purity and nobility. The term "Lianzi" not only reflects the inspiration behind the teapot's design but also embodies the power and infinite possibilities of life. The flowing and natural lines of the teapot body, along with its harmonious proportions, create a simple yet elegant overall appearance, evoking a sense of serenity and depth. The design of the spout, handle, and lid complement each other, ensuring both convenience and aesthetic beauty. Particularly noteworthy is the delicate and lifelike small lotus on the lid, adding a touch of refinement and bringing the teapot to life as if it were telling a story about nature and humanity.

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The Artisanal Ingenuity of the Craftsman

National-level senior craftsman Wu Yayi is not only a master of teapot-making but also an artist deeply immersed in zisha culture. Throughout her creative process, she adheres to the philosophy of "using teapots as a medium to convey emotions and sentiments," striving to infuse every zisha teapot with emotion and thought. To achieve this goal, Wu Yayi is meticulous in selecting materials, using only the finest clays for her creations. She believes that quality materials form the foundation of a good teapot, and only through meticulous carving and polishing on superior materials can the true value of a zisha teapot be realized.

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In addition to Wu Yayi, this zisha teapot benefits from the assistance of another national-level craftsman, Shen Qian. Shen Qian is a renowned pottery engraver whose skills are unparalleled. On this zisha teapot, Shen Qian skillfully employs engraving techniques to carve several beautiful verses onto the body of the pot, enhancing its cultural depth and artistic atmosphere. These verses not only add to the teapot's visual appeal but also evoke a poetic ambiance during tea preparation.

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The Charm of Premium Gold Sand and Ancient Dragon Kiln Wood Firing

Premium gold sand, one of the most precious materials used in zisha teapot production, is notable for its vibrant yet subdued colors and fine, resilient texture. Teapots made from this material are not only visually stunning but also offer a comfortable feel and ease of use. More importantly, gold sand possesses excellent breathability and heat retention, effectively locking in the aroma of the tea and ensuring each cup is rich and full-bodied.

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Ancient dragon kiln wood firing is another ancient firing technique distinct from modern electric or gas kilns. Instead of mechanized processes, it relies on manually adding wood and fire, allowing the flames to directly interact with the clay, resulting in natural glaze variations on the surface of the zisha teapot. This technique not only tests the artisan's skill but also requires immense patience and experience. Each firing is a unique process, producing a final product with irreplaceable charm. The zisha teapots produced using ancient dragon kiln wood firing often bear subtle marks on their surfaces; these are not flaws but rather the imprints of time, witnessing the inheritance and development of an ancient craft.

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In summary, this zisha teapot priced at 2700 CNY encapsulates the efforts of Gu Mai Xu Men, Jingzhou’s successor, and multiple craftsmen. It showcases the profound and extensive nature of zisha culture. Whether viewed from the perspective of material selection, craftsmanship, or artistic expression, it stands as a masterpiece worthy of collection. For tea enthusiasts, owning such a zisha teapot is undoubtedly a pleasure. For collectors, it represents a valuable spiritual treasure.

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