yixing teapot shape fang gu
Among classic Yixing zisha teapot shapes, the Fanggu is one of the most recognizable, and one of the most revealing. Its silhouette looks simple: a rounded, slightly flattened body, a short curved spout, a ring handle, and a lid that sits snugly in place. But for collectors and tea drinkers, the Fanggu is a benchmark form. Its quiet proportions show whether a maker truly understands balance, tension, and the subtle language of Yixing clay.Here is a guide to the Fanggu teapot: its origins, the story behind its name, the record-breaking example, and the major variations.
What Is a Fanggu Teapot?
The Fanggu teapot is a classic geometric form in Yixing ware. It was created by Shao Daheng 邵大亨 in the Qing dynasty. When Shao developed the shape, he broadly retained the handle and knob conventions of the Lotus Seed (Lianzi) teapot, but gave the body a flattened, rounded form and introduced the idea of a drum (gu 古).
The body is restrained at the top and bottom, while the belly bulges outward. The result is a rounded, full-bodied shape that resembles a flat drum. Because of this, the original name was Fangg, literally “imitating a drum.”
The Story Behind the Name: From “Imitating a Drum” to “Imitating Antiquity”
The Chinese characters for Fanggu 仿古 can suggest “imitating antiquity,” but the original shape name was Fanggu 仿鼓, meaning “imitating a drum.”
The later name story is closely tied to Gu Jingzhou 顾景舟, one of the most celebrated Yixing teapot makers of the 20th century. In his prime, Gu 古 devoted himself to studying and imitating Shao Daheng’s Fanggu 仿鼓 teapot. His motivation was threefold:
He respected the legacy of the earlier master.
He acknowledged how much he had benefited from studying Shao’s work.
He sighed that it was difficult to surpass it.
So Gu called his own versions Fanggu 仿古 a humble term meaning “imitating antiquity,” or “imitating the ancients.” The name carries both meanings: the original “imitating a drum 仿鼓” shape and Gu’s respectful homage to the old masters.
The Most Expensive Fanggu Teapot
In 2018, the most expensive Fanggu teapot on record was sold, and it still holds the record for the highest auction price for a Fanggu teapot.
The teapot was made by Gu Jingzhou, with painting and calligraphy by Fan Zeng 范曾. It sold at the Jiangsu Hexin Autumn Auction in December 2018 for RMB 28.75 million（approximately US$ 4.28 million）
This teapot is regarded as a classic collaboration between Gu Jingzhou and Fan Zeng. It was made from fine purple clay, with a delicate body, lustrous color, and superb craftsmanship. The form is a flat-bellied Fanggu: the body is rounded, and the lines of the spout, handle, and lid flow together softly and gracefully. The mouth and lid are formed by two interlocking lip lines, giving the piece a well-balanced structure and proportion.
It has a simple pressed base, a short curved spout, and a ring handle with a small hanging ear below. That hanging ear is perfectly placed: it adds a lively, playful touch to an otherwise upright and elegant form. Shape, spirit, and energy are fully integrated, a remarkable example of the form.
Major Variations of the Fanggu Teapot
1.Daheng Fanggu (Shao Daheng style) 大亨仿鼓
This is the most classic Fanggu. The body is a flat drum shape, rounded and full. The knob echoes the body, and the ring handle rises with an even momentum. Its most representative detail is the hanging ear on the handle. The overall form is archaic, simple, and well-proportioned, with a full sense of energy. It is the original model for the Fanggu.
2. Jingzhou Fanggu (Gu Jingzhou style) 景舟仿古
Gu Jingzhou’s version builds on the Daheng Fanggu with new ideas. The neck is slightly higher, and the spout and handle are given a more upward angle and greater force, creating more tension. There are two versions: one with a hanging ear and one without. The overall form is dignified and generous, with precise proportions—an expression of the peak of modern teapot craftsmanship.
3. Shouzhen Fanggu (Cheng Shouzhen style) 寿珍仿古
This version has a flat body, bulging belly, and higher neck. The lid is smooth, and the mother-and-child lip lines fit tightly. Its most distinctive feature is the treatment of the spout, the “Shouzhen spout”, with a very particular upward curve and turn. This is the maker’s personal signature, and the overall posture is graceful.
4. Bianfu (Flat Fanggu) 扁腹
This can be seen as a “flattened” Fanggu. The body is flatter than the traditional form, the neck is extremely short, and the mouth and lid are very wide. The overall shape is elegant and suits modern tea tables. It emphasizes horizontal tension on all four sides: flat but not collapsed, steady and serene.
5. Fanggu Ruyi (Gu Jingzhou style) 仿古如意
This version combines the Fanggu with jinqi, ribbed or relief elements. It has a flat round belly, short curved spout, ring handle, wide mouth, and round base. The belly is decorated with ruyi motifs, echoing a bridge-shaped ruyi knob. It brings new meaning to a traditional form and symbolizes good fortune and wishes fulfilled.
6. Kuifanggu (Mallow Fanggu) 葵仿古
This is a ribbed vessel (jinqi). It uses a six-petal mallow pattern, with ribs running across the body, spout, handle, and lid. The ribs are concave and convex in a way that is both structured and flowing. The overall shape resembles a blooming mallow flower, square within round, full of ancient charm.
7. Fanggu Liufang (Hexagonal Fanggu) 仿古六方
This version divides the Fanggu body into six facets. The ridges run vertically from top to bottom in one continuous movement. It blends square and round, hardness and softness, giving the Fanggu a more upright, vigorous beauty.
8. Julei Fanggu (Chrysanthemum-bud Fanggu) 菊蕾仿古
This form combines the clear, delicate beauty of chrysanthemum petals with the steady, ancient charm of the Fanggu. The lines are graceful, and the mood is lingering.
9. Bamboo Fanggu and Plum Fanggu 竹仿古与梅仿古
These apply traditional flower-ware elements, bamboo and plum, to the Fanggu form. Bamboo suggests upright elegance and purity; plum suggests vigorous strength and clear fragrance. They give the Fanggu a richer cultural dimension.
written by siyutao art team
