The Origin of the Xubian Teapot
The origin of the Xubian teapot can be traced back to several historical periods and cultural contexts. The main sources and developmental lineage are as follows:
Ancient Origins: Influence of Nomadic Leather Flasks
The prototype of the flat-bodied pot may have originated from the leather flasks (water or wine skins) used by ancient nomadic peoples. These flasks were oblate in shape – flat and round – making them easy to carry on horseback, lightweight, and resistant to squeezing. They served as practical containers for water or wine in nomadic life.
Bronze Age: Appearance of Flat Bronze Pots in the Central Plains
During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, flat bronze pots appeared in the Central Plains, such as the bronze flat pot from the Spring and Autumn period unearthed in Long County, used as a wine vessel. Bronze flat pots from the Warring States period feature exquisite shapes, mostly rectangular with flat bodies, equipped with spouts, ring feet, and decorative patterns, reflecting the craftsmanship of the time.
Transition to Ceramics: Material Change and Stylistic Continuity
During the Song and Yuan dynasties, the material of flat pots gradually shifted from metal to ceramics, but the flat, rounded shape was retained, continuing to serve as practical vessels for holding water and wine.
Rise of Purple Clay (Zisha): Creation and Naming by Shi Dabin
With the rise of purple clay craftsmanship in the Ming dynasty, Zisha artisans introduced the ceramic flat pot form into the Zisha tradition. The master Shi Dabin, building upon the bronze and ceramic flat pots and combining them with the unique properties of Zisha clay, created the Zisha Xubian teapot.
Origin of the Name:
"Shu Bian" (Book Flat) 书扁: The pot’s height was similar to that of thread-bound books of the time, making it suitable for use in a scholar’s study, hence the name "Shu Bian."
"Xu Bian" (Void Flat) 虚扁 : Emphasizes the pot’s shape characterized by "hollow inside, flat outside," symbolizing "an open and humble mind" (akin to "empty and receptive").
"Shui Bian" (Water Flat) 水扁 : Derived from its common use for brewing tea, it was also called "Shui Bian."
In the Yixing Wu dialect, the pronunciations of "Shu" 书 (book), "Xu" 虚 (void), and "Shui" 水 (water) are similar, leading to mixed usage. However, "Xu Bian" 虚扁 is more widely used in literature and professional contexts.
Later Transmission: Master Imitations and Artistic Elevation
Since its creation in the Ming dynasty, the Xubian teapot has become one of the most difficult forms to craft in the traditional all-handmade Zisha technique, giving rise to the saying: "The flatter the shape, the harder the making." In the Qing dynasty, renowned masters such as Chen Mingyuan, Chen Jinhou, and Jingxi Ruolin produced Xubian teapots. They continuously innovated in form, craftsmanship, and decoration, elevating the Xubian teapot from a practical utensil to a Zisha treasure rich in artistic value and cultural significance.
