What are the different types of Yixing teapots
written by siyutao art team
The shapes of Yixing teapots are rich and varied. Based on form and craftsmanship, they are primarily divided into four major categories: round teapots, square teapots, flower teapots (bionic teapots), and ribbed teapots (muscle-vein teapots), with additional derivative forms such as loop-handled teapots. The specific classifications and representative teapot shapes are as follows:
I. Round Teapots (Plain Round Teapots)
Characteristics: Based on spheres and cylinders, they emphasize "roundness, stability, uniformity, and balance," with smooth lines and harmonious proportions. They pursue a "pearly roundness and jade-like luster," with no excessive ornamentation, relying on proportion and overall presence for their appeal. This is the most common and mainstream category of purple clay teapots.
Representative Shapes: Xishi Teapot (Inverted-Handle Xishi), Shipiao Teapot (Ziye Shipiao, Jingzhou Shipiao, etc.), Duoqiu Teapot, Fanggu Teapot, Jinglan Teapot, Qinquan Teapot, Dezhong Teapot, Siting Teapot, Pan Teapot, Zhoupan Teapot, Xubian Teapot, Shuiping Teapot, Wendan Teapot, Meirenjian Teapot, Longdan Teapot, Yangtong Teapot, etc.
II. Square Teapots (Upright and Firm)
Characteristics: Built on straight lines and right angles, they emphasize "squareness with roundness within," featuring crisp edges and distinct angles. They combine masculine strength with understated elegance and are relatively more challenging to craft.
Representative Shapes: Sifang Teapot, Liufang Teapot, Bafang Teapot, Chuanlu Teapot, Hanfang Teapot, Xuehua Teapot, Sengmao Teapot, Hedou Teapot, Gongdeng Teapot, Yaming Sifang Teapot, etc.
III. Flower Teapots (Bionic Teapots / Natural-Form Teapots)
Characteristics: Inspired by plants and animals in nature, they employ techniques such as pinching, appliqué, and carving to integrate natural forms into teapot art. The shapes are vivid, embodying symbolic meanings, and are full of rustic charm and vitality.
Representative Shapes: Gongchun Teapot (Tree-Knot Teapot), Nangua Teapot (Pumpkin Teapot), Meizhuang Teapot (Plum-Stump Teapot), Yuhualong Teapot (Fish-Transforming-into-Dragon Teapot), Baochun Teapot (Spring-Announcing Teapot), Songzhumei Teapot (Pine-Bamboo-Plum Teapot), Foshou Teapot (Buddha's-Hand Teapot), Bíqi Teapot (Water-Chestnut Teapot), Fengjuan Kui (Wind-Swept Sunflower Teapot), Songshu Putao Teapot (Squirrel-and-Grape Teapot), Zhuduan Teapot (Bamboo-Segment Teapot), etc.
IV. Ribbed Teapots (Muscle-Vein / Ribbed Teapots)
Characteristics: Inspired by the ribs and textures of plant gourds, fruits, and flower petals (such as melon ridges, chrysanthemum petals, water chestnut patterns, etc.), they use geometric divisions and curved combinations to evenly segment the teapot body. The ribbed lines run continuously from the lid to the base, achieving symmetry and regularity, with a strong sense of rhythm and ordered beauty.
Representative Shapes: Linghua Teapot (Water-Chestnut-Flower Teapot), Juping Teapot (Chrysanthemum-Petal Teapot / Heju), Gualeng Teapot (Melon-Ridge Teapot), Kuifanggu Teapot (Sunflower-Archaistic Teapot), Longdai Teapot (Dragon-Belt Teapot), Banju Teapot (Half-Chrysanthemum Teapot), etc.
V. Loop-Handled Teapots (Derivative Form)
Characteristics: Featuring a loop handle, they are divided into two types: "rigid loop handles" (made integrally with the teapot body, fixed) and "flexible loop handles" (made of metal wire, rattan, or other materials threaded through knobs on the shoulder, movable). The interplay of solid and void is clearly contrasted, creating an elegant form.
Representative Shapes: Dabin Tiliang Teapot, Dongpo Tiliang Teapot, Mansheng Tiliang Teapot, Tibi Teapot, Wujing Tiliang Teapot, Zhegu Tiliang Teapot (Partridge-Loop-Handle Teapot), etc.
Note: The shapes of purple clay teapots often blend with one another (e.g., squareness with roundness within, round forms with ribbed elements), and new innovations continue to emerge with the passage of time. However, the above four major categories essentially cover the classic traditional shapes of Yixing purple clay teapots.
