What is a flat lamp teapot (Biandeng teapot)?
The Biandeng (Flat Lantern) teapot is a classic form of Yixing clay teapot. Its name derives from its resemblance to the shape of a palace lantern, which has been artistically simplified and adapted. Below are its main characteristics:
Body Shape
The body is flattened and rounded, with a bulging midsection that tapers sharply toward both the top and bottom, creating a smooth, flowing curve reminiscent of a lantern shade. The overall silhouette is solid yet not clumsy, full yet poised, embodying the aesthetic principle of being "flat without collapsing, bulging without dispersing."
Lid and Knob
It typically features a domed press‑fit lid with a slightly raised surface that echoes the curve of the body, enhancing visual harmony. The knob is often flattened and round, resembling a lamp wick or flame, lending an uplifting spirit to the vessel.
Spout and Handle
The spout is usually a single‑curve or double‑curve type, stout and robust, ensuring a smooth pour. The handle is most often a rounded loop, thick and comfortable to hold, forming a well‑proportioned relationship with the spout and body.
Originating during the Qianlong reign of the Qing dynasty, the Flat Lantern teapot is a classic Yixing form that balances practicality with artistic merit. It is suited both for daily tea brewing and for collection or appreciation. While details may vary among different makers, the defining features remain centered on the unique flattened‑round, bulging‑belly silhouette and the graceful flow of its lines.
