Exploring Yixing Teapots: A Classification by Shape and Clay

By Shape

• Ban Yue Teapot (半月壶)
  The "Half-Moon" teapot takes inspiration from the poetic imagery of the moon from the Tang Dynasty. Its harmonious and elegant form symbolizes the yearning for reunion, echoing the traditional Chinese sentiment of "moon round, people round." It is a symbol of nostalgia and hope for wholeness and unity.

• Bian Fu Teapot (扁腹壶)
  Known for its low, wide body and large mouth, the Bian Fu teapot is often used for brewing green tea. Its balanced, symmetrical design, with soft curves and strong rhythmic lines, reflects both beauty and practicality. It is appreciated for its subtle elegance and meticulous craftsmanship.

• Chuan Lu Teapot (传炉壶)
  This teapot exudes a dignified and ancient charm, with a powerful, smooth design that combines roundness and squareness. Its name is thought to derive from the ancient "furnace" used for alchemy or ceremonial purposes. It reflects the balance between practicality and spirituality in Chinese culture.

• Da Bin Ti Liang Teapot (大彬提梁壶)
  A relatively large teapot, this design was created by the master craftsman Shi Dabing in the late Ming and early Qing periods. Known for its harmonious and sturdy structure, with a large handle and spout, it symbolizes the fusion of simplicity and grandeur in traditional teapot making.

• De Zhong Teapot (德钟壶)
  The "Virtuous Bell" teapot features a simple, elegant design with a solid, well-proportioned body. Its name reflects the moral and cultural significance of the teapot, which is both refined and practical, often representing wisdom and harmony in Chinese aesthetics.

• Duo Qiu Teapot (掇球壶)
  This teapot is a classic example of geometric beauty, where multiple spherical forms are stacked together, symbolizing unity and balance. Its name comes from the Chinese word "duo," meaning to stack or gather, and its form conveys both simplicity and complexity.

• Duo Zhi Teapot (掇只壶)
  The "Duo Zhi" teapot is a unique, multi-ball design, where smaller spheres are stacked on top of a larger one. Its name reflects the notion of connectedness and layering, highlighting the artistry involved in this intricate yet balanced teapot shape.

• Fang Gu Teapot (仿古壶)
  The "Ancient Imitation" teapot draws inspiration from traditional antique designs. Its squat, rounded body with a high neck and flat lid is designed to evoke the aesthetics of historical pottery, blending ancient forms with modern craftsmanship.

• Han Duo Teapot (汉铎壶)
  The "Han Duo" teapot is named after the ancient Chinese bell (Duo), symbolizing clarity and power. It is often characterized by a bell-like shape with a robust, resonant tone when tapped, reflecting the deep cultural meaning associated with sound and communication in ancient China.

• Han Wa Teapot (汉瓦壶)
  Inspired by the shape of traditional Chinese roof tiles, this teapot features a round, cylindrical body with a flat lid. Its design is simple yet elegant, combining functionality with an aesthetic rooted in ancient Chinese architecture.

• He Huan Teapot (合欢壶)
  The "He Huan" teapot symbolizes happiness and unity, inspired by the musical cymbals used in traditional Chinese celebrations. This teapot's design reflects the joy and harmonious energy of social gatherings, making it a perfect vessel for festive occasions.

• Hu Lu Teapot (葫芦壶)
  Resembling the shape of a gourd, this teapot is known for its round, smooth curves and is often associated with good luck and health in Chinese culture. Its unique design makes it a popular choice for collectors and teapot enthusiasts.

• Hua Ying Teapot (华颖壶)
  The "Hua Ying" teapot, meaning "flower bud," is designed to resemble a blossoming flower. With its smooth curves and delicate proportions, it captures the beauty and vitality of nature, making it a refined and elegant teapot form.

• Ji Yu Teapot (集玉壶)
  The "Ji Yu" teapot, meaning "Gathering Jade," is inspired by the beauty of jade and its symbolic meanings in Chinese culture. The teapot features a layered, elegant design with curved lines, creating a sense of grace and harmony.

• Jing Lan Teapot (井栏壶)
  The "Jing Lan" teapot is modeled after the shape of a traditional well guard. Its design reflects the natural world and the function of protecting the resources of life, embodying both practicality and symbolic meaning in its form.

• Longdan Teapot（龙蛋壶）
  The Longdan Teapot is characterized by its egg-shaped body, round and smooth with a short straight spout. The handle is easy to grip, and the flat, rounded knob on the lid adds to its charming appeal. Its name, "Dragon Egg," symbolizes good luck and the auspiciousness of the dragon in Chinese culture, representing a blessing of prosperity and harmony.

• Meirenjian Teapot（美人肩壶）
  The Meirenjian Teapot has a graceful, elegant form reminiscent of ancient Chinese women, with a smooth, rounded body that blends seamlessly into the lid. It’s known for its delicate curves and balance, requiring exceptional craftsmanship to create its flowing lines and transition between the spout and handle.

• Mengchen Teapot（孟臣壶）
  The Mengchen Teapot is a small, finely crafted teapot designed for "gongfu tea" brewing. Named after Ming dynasty artisan Hui Mengchen, it’s known for its compact size and unique design, making it a favorite in Guangdong, Fujian, and Chaozhou areas, especially for brewing delicate oolong teas.

• Pan Teapot（潘壶）
  The Pan Teapot is named after Pan Shicheng, a Qing Dynasty official from Guangdong. This teapot style is typically made of red clay and is renowned for its fixed, traditional design. The teapot's shape varies, with three primary styles: tall, short, and medium. It was often used in tea ceremonies, symbolizing prosperity and good fortune.

• Pao Gua Teapot（匏瓜壶）
  The Pao Gua Teapot is shaped like a gourd and was created by Chen Mansheng to express longing and separation. The gourd represents a metaphor for emotional connection, with the design stemming from ancient Chinese literature, particularly the poetic symbolism of the gourd in expressing deep personal feelings.

• Pao Zun Teapot（匏尊壶）
  Derived from the shape of the gourd, the Pao Zun Teapot symbolizes the struggles of life, particularly during difficult times. The design was influenced by the famous poet Su Dongpo, who identified with the symbolism of the gourd during his exile. The teapot's humble, rounded shape evokes a sense of isolation and self-reflection.

• Qie Duan Teapot（茄段壶）
  The Qie Duan Teapot is inspired by the shape of a ripe eggplant. Its smooth lines and vibrant color come from using special purple clay. The teapot’s design captures the balance of nature, with a playful yet elegant feel, making it a great example of purple clay’s aesthetic qualities.

• Qin Quan Teapot（秦权壶）
  The Qin Quan Teapot’s design is based on the shape of an ancient Qin weight used for measuring. Its form is both practical and symbolic, representing justice and balance. The addition of a dragon-shaped handle adds cultural significance, as the dragon is a powerful symbol in Chinese heritage.

• Rongtian Teapot（容天壶）
  The Rongtian Teapot takes inspiration from the Buddhist icon of the "Big Belly Buddha," symbolizing generosity and the ability to embrace the world. Its rounded body and gentle curves are a tribute to contentment and peace, reflecting the traditional values of Buddhism.

• Shipiao Teapot（石瓢壶）
  The Shipiao Teapot is an evolution of the "stone ladle" used in ancient China to brew tea. Su Dongpo, a famous poet and tea lover, is credited with popularizing the stone ladle teapot. The Shipiao Teapot has a pyramidal shape with a solid, stable design, making it an excellent tool for tea brewing.

• Shuiping Teapot（水平壶）
  The Shuiping Teapot is a small, elegant teapot that emerged in the middle of the Ming dynasty. Its low body and compact design are ideal for brewing gongfu tea, and it has become a staple in Chinese tea culture, especially in Guangdong and Fujian provinces.

• Siting Teapot（思亭壶）
  The Siting Teapot is known for its graceful proportions and fine craftsmanship. It features a refined and elegant shape with smooth curves and subtle lines. The teapot is named after its designer, and its beauty and functionality have made it highly esteemed in Chinese tea culture.

• Tangyu Teapot（汤婆壶）
  The Tangyu Teapot is inspired by the ceremonial teapots used in the Tang Dynasty, often associated with royal courts. Its design mimics the feather-like shape of a wing, symbolizing grace and refinement, much like the cultural heritage of Tang-era tea practices.

• Hanwa Teapot（汉瓦）
  The Hanwa Teapot is modeled after ancient Chinese architectural elements, such as the "hanwa" or tile end. This teapot, with its clean lines and geometric form, evokes the simplicity and elegance of traditional Chinese architecture, combining art with utility.

• Duozhi Teapot (掇只壶)

  The Duozhi Teapot, originating in the late Ming to early Qing period, has a simple, robust shape with a practical design. It features a short spout and a broad, rounded body, which gives it a unique and rustic appearance. The teapot's simplicity reflects the artistic preference of the time for subtle beauty. Duozhi teapots are known for their smooth flow and ergonomic design, perfect for daily tea brewing.

• Xishi Teapot (西施壶)

  Named after the renowned beauty Xishi, this teapot's design is inspired by her graceful figure, specifically her rounded breast shape. The teapot has a distinctive form with a short, slightly thick spout and a cap that mimics the shape of Xishi's curves. The teapot is traditionally called "Xishi Ru" (Xishi's breast), but was later renamed "倒把西施" (Reverse-handle Xishi) for its more refined aesthetic. It represents both elegance and sensuality, much like the beauty of Xishi herself.

• 33. Xian Yuan Teapot (线圆壶)

  The Xian Yuan Teapot is a perfect embodiment of balance and harmony. It’s a round-shaped teapot characterized by a smooth, unbroken curve. The design emphasizes a "pearl-like" roundness, making it both visually appealing and easy to handle. This type of teapot is loved for its timeless beauty and is often associated with delicate, harmonious aesthetics.

• 34. Xiao Ying Teapot (笑樱壶)

  The Xiao Ying Teapot, named after cherry blossoms, has a heavy and solid design that contrasts its external tough appearance with an inner warmth, symbolizing passion and character. It’s known for its bold brewing style, producing strong, aromatic tea. The design, rich in vibrant colors, conveys the traditional Chinese concept of "harmony through diversity," representing strength and grace in one vessel.

• 35. Xu Bian Teapot (虚扁壶)

  The Xu Bian Teapot is a challenging form in traditional teapot making, distinguished by its flattened, wide body. This teapot requires significant skill to shape by hand, as it involves using a technique that gradually flattens the clay without causing it to collapse. The design reflects the craftsman's mastery and the art of creating delicate yet strikingly beautiful forms from a simple material.

• 36. Yang Tong Teapot (洋桶壶)

  The Yang Tong Teapot is a popular, practical design that emerged during the late Qing to early Republic periods. Its simple, cylindrical shape is easy to handle and carry, making it a favorite among tea drinkers for both everyday use and collection. The "Western Barrel" (洋桶) design is known for its convenience and has become a classic within the realm of Yixing teapots.

• 37. Yi Li Zhu Teapot (一粒珠壶)

  The Yi Li Zhu Teapot features a rounded, pearl-like design, symbolizing completeness and elegance. It is characterized by a smooth, round body with a single pearl-shaped knob on top, reminiscent of a precious gem. The teapot’s form represents harmony and balance, and it’s often associated with quiet, meditative tea-drinking experiences.

• 38. Zhe Gu Ti Liang Teapot (鹧鸪提梁)

  This teapot has a unique, bird-inspired shape, with a flat, round body and a high, angular handle resembling a bird’s wings. The name "Zhe Gu" (partridge) refers to the bird’s mournful call, symbolizing sadness and nostalgia. The teapot, designed by the master potter Gu Jingzhou, was created as a tribute to his wife, reflecting deep emotional resonance. The elegant design also signifies beauty in nature and the expression of personal stories through teapot artistry.

By Clay

Zisha Clay can be divided into Purple Clay (紫泥), Green Clay (绿泥), Red Clay (红泥), and Duan Clay (段泥). Among these, Purple Clay is further divided into Tianqing Clay (天青泥), Qingshui Clay (清水泥), Dicaoqing (底槽清), and Ordinary Purple Clay (普通紫泥); Green Clay includes Mo Green Clay (墨绿泥), Zhi Ma Green Clay (芝麻绿泥), and Ben Shan Green Clay (本山绿泥); Red Clay is subdivided into Hongpi Long (红皮龙), Da Hong Pao (大红袍), Jiangpo Clay (降坡泥), Zhu Clay (朱泥), and Ordinary Red Clay (普通红泥); Duan Clay stands as a unique category of its own.

Purple Clay

1. Tianqing Clay (天青泥)
   Tianqing Clay, also known as Qinghui Clay, has a color tone that blends blue, green, and gray. This clay is rare, with limited production today, as it was commonly used during the Qing Dynasty. It contains a variety of mineral particles and is known for its unique texture, often described as "shark skin."

• Characteristics: Contains higher levels of iron and aluminum, has low plasticity, and is difficult to shape. It requires high firing temperatures.

• Finished Product: The surface texture is sandy, with a double porosity structure that helps retain heat and maintain water temperature, making it perfect for brewing tea, influencing the tea's flavor, fragrance, and appearance.

• Brewing Tea: Ideal for a wide range of teas, it creates a rich and mellow aroma with a smooth taste. Tianqing Clay is a distinctive choice for those seeking unique characteristics.

2. Qingshui Clay (清水泥)
   Qingshui Clay has an elegant and ancient feel. It's less dramatic than Tianqing Clay but is highly regarded by ancient ceramic artists. Over time, it develops a warm, reddish-brown patina that becomes more beautiful with age.

• Characteristics: The clay is easy to manipulate and stable during shaping. When aged, it develops a smooth, reddish patina.

• Finished Product: The color is rich and refined, giving it a scholarly atmosphere. Over time, the clay becomes more lustrous, developing a beautiful patina.

• Brewing Tea: It is easy to use for brewing and creates a smooth, pleasant experience. With prolonged use, the patina enhances, and the tea brewed in it takes on a refined taste.

3. Dicaoqing (底槽清)
   Dicaoqing is the most prized and classic of all purple clays. It comes from the deepest layers of purple clay at Huanglong Mountain, and its quality is considered the best among purple clays. This clay is incredibly rare today due to limited mining, making it highly valuable.

• Characteristics: The clay is smooth and fine, with a stable burn and a unique greenish-purple hue. Its color changes to a reddish-brown with a deeper hue as it ages.

• Finished Product: The appearance of the clay includes greenish-blue spots, known as "chicken eye" or "cat eye." The color is stable, and the final product has an elegant and sophisticated look.

• Brewing Tea: The tea brewed in Dicaoqing clay is balanced, with a long-lasting aftertaste and a smooth, mellow flavor.

4. Ordinary Purple Clay (普通紫泥)
   Ordinary Purple Clay is the most commonly used and accessible clay for making purple sand teapots. It is relatively easy to shape and is known for its excellent porosity, which is ideal for aging and improving the flavor of tea.

• Characteristics: It is easy to mold, making it suitable for large and intricate pieces. It has a high iron content and creates a mature, stable color.

• Finished Product: The color is a warm purple-brown, which provides a calming and welcoming aesthetic.

• Brewing Tea: It offers excellent heat retention, and the tea brewed in it is fragrant and well-balanced, making it a popular choice for tea drinkers.

Green Clay

1. Mo Green Clay (墨绿泥)
   Mo Green Clay has a color close to that of Tianqing Clay, but with a bluish-green tint without the gray undertones. It is particularly suitable for brewing Puerh tea, Tieguanyin, and other semi-fermented teas.

• Characteristics: It has a delicate texture, and the clay is dense and firm.

• Finished Product: The color is a distinct blue-green with a smooth, almost glossy finish. Over time, the color becomes richer and more translucent.

• Brewing Tea: It is ideal for brewing smooth, mellow teas, and it is easy to master in terms of brewing time.

2. Ben Shan Green Clay (本山绿泥)
   Ben Shan Green Clay is harvested from the Huanglong Mountain area. This clay is a fine-grained sandstone that is difficult to extract and very rare.

• Characteristics: The clay is dense and forms a relatively loose texture. It is resistant to deformation and shrinking during firing.

• Finished Product: The clay has a yellow-gray hue, but when fired at a high temperature, it develops a greenish-gray tint.

• Brewing Tea: The tea brewed in this clay is mellow and smooth, with the flavor carrying well throughout the brewing process.

3. Zhi Ma Green Clay (芝麻绿泥)
   Zhi Ma Green Clay is a rare and finely textured clay with small black particles that give it a "sesame-like" appearance. The finished product has a soft, smooth surface with a gentle luster.

• Characteristics: The clay has excellent porosity and absorbency, making it highly effective at retaining the aroma and flavor of tea.

• Finished Product: It has a subtle greenish hue and a fine, smooth texture.

• Brewing Tea: Ideal for a variety of teas, including Puerh, Tieguanyin, and black tea, this clay enhances the fragrance and taste.

Red Clay

1. Hongpi Long (红皮龙)
   Hongpi Long, also known as Wild Mountain Red Clay, is a rare red clay with a high quartz content. It is known for its ability to retain heat and its rich, reddish color.

• Characteristics: The clay is coarse and rough, with a prominent "sandy" texture.

• Finished Product: The color is a deep red with a distinctive texture that gives it a rugged yet refined appearance.

• Brewing Tea: It has excellent heat retention, and the tea brewed in it has a rich, long-lasting flavor.

2. Da Hong Pao (大红袍)
   Da Hong Pao is a rare and highly prized red clay with an elegant, deep red hue. It is known for its use in creating high-end teapots with an aristocratic flair.

• Characteristics: The clay is difficult to shape, and its high shrinkage rate during firing makes it challenging to use.

• Finished Product: The clay is dense and creates a smooth, rich surface with a deep red color.

• Brewing Tea: The tea brewed in Da Hong Pao clay has a deep, full-bodied flavor with a smooth, velvety texture.

3. Jiangpo Clay (降坡泥)
   Jiangpo Clay comes from the intersection of Qinglong Mountain and Huanglong Mountain. The clay has a distinctive orange-red hue, and it becomes more aged and rich over time.

• Characteristics: It is highly resistant to deformation and has a smooth texture.

• Finished Product: The clay has an orange-red color with a refined, ancient look.

• Brewing Tea: It brews tea with a smooth, mellow flavor and a strong aftertaste that grows richer with use.

4. Zhu Clay (朱泥)
   Zhu Clay is a type of red clay with a reddish-orange hue that turns glossy with use. It is known for its ability to enhance the flavor of tea and develop a beautiful patina over time.

• Characteristics: The clay has a smooth texture and is highly resistant to wear.

• Finished Product: It has a vibrant reddish color with an almost translucent quality when aged.

• Brewing Tea: Ideal for a range of teas, Zhu Clay enhances the aroma and flavor, especially in teas like Puerh and Oolong.

5. Ordinary Red Clay (普通红泥)
   This clay is made from high-iron content minerals and is best suited for making small teapots and tea accessories.

• Characteristics: It is easy to shape and highly responsive to heat.

• Finished Product: The color is red with a subtle orange hue, and it has a smooth surface.

• Brewing Tea: The tea brewed in this clay is vibrant and fresh, with a crisp, clean taste.

Duan Clay

Duan Clay, also known as "Old Group Clay," is primarily white with green spots. It is known for its large, porous particles that allow for excellent airflow and temperature control.

• Characteristics: It is solid and smooth, with a distinct "golden" color.

• Finished Product: Over time, Duan Clay reveals a beautiful patina that enhances its visual appeal.

• Brewing Tea: Duan Clay is easy to use, and its breathable nature makes it ideal for brewing a variety of teas. It is especially good for beginners who want to perfect their brewing techniques.