Masterpiece Yixing Zisha Teapot: Ancient Firing Technique & Unique Flame Traces

2025-05-21 Zisha Teapot Guide Categroy：201-350cc Views：3

$300.00Artisan-crafted Yixing Zisha teapot with unique flame traces, 220cc capacity, featuring Li Wei's engravings and ancient kiln-fired texture. Collectible masterpiece.

Zisha Teapot: A Masterpiece by Gu Shaopei's Senior Apprentice Jiang Yaping – The "De Zhong" Teapot, Priced at 2100 CNY

Zisha teapots, as treasures among traditional Chinese tea wares, carry profound cultural heritage and exquisite craftsmanship. Today, we introduce a Zisha teapot that is not only an art piece but also a perfect blend of traditional and modern techniques. This teapot was meticulously crafted by Jiang Yaping, a nationally renowned senior-level arts and crafts master and a senior apprentice of Gu Shaopei. Priced at 2100 CNY, this teapot, named "De Zhong," not only inherits the classic design elements but also showcases unique innovation in decoration and firing techniques.

Zisha Teapots: De Zhong | Tiger Skin Gold Sand firing technique 1

Ancient Tiger Skin Gold Sand Firing Technique with Fire Marks

This Zisha teapot utilizes the ancient Tiger Skin Gold Sand firing technique with fire marks. It has a capacity of 220cc and features a diamond-shaped spout with nine holes to ensure smooth water flow. The Tiger Skin Gold Sand firing technique is an innovative method developed by Master Jiang Yaping after five years of dedicated research. This series of works is fired using sealed gas-fired kilns, which have become rare in Dingshu Town due to the town's transition to pipeline natural gas. Each teapot bears a unique "fire mark," resembling a precious imprint that seems to have awaited millennia to be revealed.

Zisha Teapots: De Zhong | Tiger Skin Gold Sand firing technique 2

The areas touched by flames exhibit a colorful texture of red, orange, yellow, and black, creating a rainbow-like effect. This fire mark phenomenon is closely related to the nature of the clay and the firing method. In the oxidizing-reducing atmosphere, wood ash flows along the flame path, forming "fire routes" as the flame enters the suction holes. These fire marks are not only a hallmark of wood firing but also embody the artist's unique interpretation of "flame" as a creative source. Achieving the desired fire mark requires meticulous study of the kiln position, aligning with the right timing, location, and skill—a balance that can easily be lost if not perfectly executed. Thus, fire marks are precious and rare.

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Classic Design and Ingenious Craftsmanship

The "De Zhong" teapot, one of the classic designs in Zisha teapots, is celebrated for its unparalleled elegance. This teapot features a cylindrical knob that harmonizes with the body, creating a fluid and natural overall line. The lid slightly bulges, and the mouth fits tightly with the spout, making it easy to add and remove tea leaves. The shoulder is gently flat, and the neck slopes gracefully, giving the teapot a balanced and elegant appearance without appearing bulky. The straight spout stands tall and sharp, while the handle is broad and comfortable to hold. From both practical and aesthetic perspectives, this teapot is a quintessential masterpiece.

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Artistic Embellishments by a Renowned Master

In addition to its superior craftsmanship and unique firing technique, this Zisha teapot is adorned by Li Wei, a renowned ceramic art master from Jiangsu Province. Li Wei is a full professor at Wuxi Institute of Arts and Crafts, dean of the Art Design Department, vice president of the Yixing Landscape Painting Association, and a specially appointed researcher at the Xu Beihong Wu Guanzhong Art Academy. He has intricately carved a landscape scene on the teapot, featuring picturesque natural scenery on one side and inscribed poetry "Xixi Chunfeng Yin Biyun" (Gentle Spring Breeze Leads to Green Clouds) on the other. These embellishments enhance the artistic charm of the teapot, making it a collectible treasure.

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Summary and Recommendation

In conclusion, this Zisha teapot, priced at 2100 CNY, is a masterpiece by Gu Shaopei's senior apprentice, combining traditional and modern craftsmanship. It features the ancient Tiger Skin Gold Sand firing technique with fire marks, a classic design, and artistic decorations by a renowned master. This teapot is not only functional but also holds significant artistic value. For enthusiasts of Zisha teapot culture, this is undoubtedly a must-have piece. Whether used daily or as a collector's item, this teapot will bring endless joy and satisfaction.

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Researcher-Level Artist Zhou Jianchun's Flat Lantern Yixing Teapot: Premium Golden Sand Clay & Ancient Dragon Kiln Craftsmanship

$857.14Researcher-level artist Zhou Jianchun's 280CC Yixing teapot uses dragon kiln-fired golden sand clay, decorated by master Chu Lizhi. Priced at ¥6000.