Chinese Square and Hexagonal Teapot Styles

Chinese Square and Hexagonal Teapot Styles showcase the diversity and elegance of teapot designs in Chinese tea culture. These styles offer a departure from the traditional round teapots, presenting a unique aesthetic and functionality. Square teapots embody a sense of stability and precision, with clean lines and defined angles. Hexagonal teapots, on the other hand, exude a harmonious balance with their symmetrical shape and intricate patterns. Both styles showcase the creativity and craftsmanship of Chinese artisans, combining form and function in exquisite tea brewing vessels. Join us as we explore the captivating world of Chinese Square and Hexagonal Teapot Styles, where tradition meets innovation in the art of tea.

Liu Fang Teapot

Liu Fang Teapot (六方壶: Hexagonal teapot) is a purple sand teapot that embodies the beauty of geometric shapes. Its straight and masculine design features crisp edges and corners, showcasing the elegance of square pots. Hexagons are a classic representation of square ware, meeting the requirements of smooth lines, clear outlines, and a sense of stability.

Ba Fang Teapot

Ba Fang Teapot (八方壶: Octagonal teapot) is a relatively rare type of square purple sand ware. The most common ba fang teapots are irregular in shape, yet they exude cleanliness, elegance, and brightness. Square utensils have always offered a wide range of excellent designs. Following the modeling rules of square ware, ba fang teapots emphasize straight and horizontal lines as the main elements, complemented by subtle curves. The central axis and balance lines of the pot’s shape must be correct, even, and display rich variety. Symmetry between the pot’s body, mouth, cover, and handle is also important, achieving a harmonious blend of roundness and squareness, as well as proportional rigidity and softness.

Gu Leng Teapot

Gu Leng Teapot (觚棱壶) represents the fusion of square and circular elements in purple sand teapot design. It beautifully incorporates circles within squares and squares within circles, drawing inspiration from the ancient Gu Leng’s style. When viewed from above, the pot appears square, while from the side, it resembles an inverted bucket with outward-curving trapezoidal sides. The seamless transition between these contrasting shapes relies on the mastery and skill of experienced pot makers, making it a challenging design for novices.

Seng Mao Teapot

Seng Mao Teapot (僧帽壶: Monk’s Hat Teapot) is a teapot with a distinctive shape resembling a monk’s hat. It originated in the Yuan Dynasty of China and was initially crafted using porcelain. As many porcelain artisans transitioned to producing purple sand ware, this teapot style also made its way into the realm of purple sand pottery. The round mitral pot in purple sand design predates Li Maolin and even Shi Dabin’s styles. It is believed that the current form of the Seng Mao teapot emerged as purple sand craftsmen refined their techniques and adapted to the molding characteristics of the material.

Li Maolin’s mitral pot is unique and not derived from the other two styles. Its creation can be attributed to two factors. First, Li drew inspiration from observing the practical use of mitral pots by monks in Buddhist temples during the Han Dynasty. Second, Li was influenced by the style of porcelain mitral pots that were prevalent at the time, and he independently crafted his own interpretation of the teapot, incorporating his innovative ideas.

Xue Hua Teapot

Xue Hua Teapot (雪华壶: Snowflake Teapot) is a creation by Master Gu Jingzhou in the late 1970s. It is also referred to as the “Snowflake teapot” due to its resemblance to the delicate hexagonal shape of snowflakes. Each hexagonal facet appears as if it is gently descending from the sky, creating an ethereal and captivating effect. Master Gu skillfully captures the essence of lightness, using the lightness of snowflakes to convey the profound weight and significance of the universe.

Chuan Lu Teapot

Chuan Lu Teapot (传炉壶) holds great significance in Taiwanese culture. It is highly esteemed and cherished. In the “Qiaoguotang” of the ancestral hall in Taiwan, there is a couplet that beautifully expresses its value: “Poetry and etiquette establish a distinguished family reputation, while the Chuan Lu (furnace) remains prosperous throughout the ages.” This couplet underscores the importance of literature, proper conduct, and the enduring legacy of the Chuan Lu teapot, symbolizing the refined cultural traditions and achievements of the Taiwanese people.

Si Fang Teapot

Si Fang Teapot (四方壶: Square Teapot) features a tall and stout square body. The craftsmanship of Si Fang teapots is meticulous, resulting in exquisite and captivating works of art. The simplicity of its shape is complemented by unique techniques that add to its charm. The overall design exudes a bold and upright masculinity, with precise proportions, a tight and flat lid, crisp surfaces, clean lines, and a strong and confident presence. The craftsmanship of Si Fang teapots rivals that of other teapot shapes, showcasing the mastery and skill of the artisans who create them.

Mansheng Hedou Teapot

Mansheng Hedou Teapot (曼生合斗) is one of the Eighteen Styles of Mansheng, which were conceptualized by Chen Hongshou, a renowned calligrapher and seal carver from the Qing Dynasty and one of the “Eight Masters of Xiling.” The name “Mansheng Pot” or “Mansheng Eighteen Styles” derives from Chen Hongshou’s contribution to this collection. The Mansheng Hedou teapot embodies the distinctive characteristics and artistic vision of the Mansheng style, showcasing the masterful craftsmanship and aesthetic sensibilities of Chen Hongshou and his fellow artisans.