Zisha teapot Fang Gu, handmade by Studio Craftsmanship HONG Wei,Zi Ni

🫖 FANG GU (Antique-Style) Teapot
Clay: Zi Ni (紫泥)
Volume: 250ml
Category: Studio Craftsmanship

ARTIST: HONG Wei 洪维

Fully Handmade

🏺 About the Shape
The Fang Gu (Antique-Style) Teapot, an essential component in the arsenal of tea enthusiasts, stands as one of the "Three Musketeers" of teapot varieties, pioneered by the Qing Dynasty Zisha master Shao Daheng. Its inspiration draws from the drums utilized on ancient battlefields.

During the zenith of his career, the contemporary Zisha luminary Gu Jingzhou, vigorously emulated the works of Shao Daheng, gaining valuable insights through meticulous study and replication.

The body of the Fang Gu Teapot assumes a drum-like shape, often featuring a flat base with raised and towering shoulders exuding grandeur. The neck remains short, while the spout forms a beautiful curve line, and a slight gap exists between the handle and the lid, the knob must mirror the proportionally reduced shape of the teapot's body. Aiming for a robust presence, the teapot embodies the tension akin to that of a fully inflated oxhide drum.

Aesthetically, the lid of the Antique-Style Teapot extends beyond the elliptical contour, forming a segment of a large ellipse, thereby constituting a central ellipse. While the lower contour of the central ellipse remains concealed within the upper portion of the teapot, it must be perceptible. The spout also assumes an elliptical form, ensuring coherence and harmony among the three ellipses, albeit of varying sizes, yet maintaining consistent overall shape. Additionally, the long axes of the three ellipses adhere to the golden ratio. Visually, the distance between the handle and spout and the teapot mouth should be equal, forming a seamless flow, with the junction between the handle and spout symmetric and smooth, devoid of any disruption to the teapot's contour. The teapot's body should evoke a sense of fullness and expansion, while the lid seamlessly integrates with the body, with the lid and mouth forming a smooth and plump contour, akin to tightly closed lips.

The Antique-Style Teapot stands as a classic Zisha teapot archetype, embodying a rustic, dignified, and weighty presence, appealing to the discerning tastes of collectors, while symbolizing completeness and fulfillment.