Shapes of Yixing teapots
A Yixing teapot – is a hallmark of the Chinese tea tradition. Although the history of houseware production in the city of Yixing dates back to the ruling Northern Song Dynasty, teapots in this very region were produced only during Zhu Houcong era (Buddhist name -"Jiajing", a posthumous name - Shi Zong, reigning years 1521-1567). Since then craftsmen practise and compete in producing unique teapots, as well as imitating classical shapes. There are different points of view how many classical shapes are in existence in general. Some assert that 9 of them, others mention number – 16. To my mind, one names as much as he could identify. We will do our best to make our own list and further additions.
In fact, all teapot shapes are divided into three different categories: geometric , segmental и naturalistic or simulating nature. Geometric shapes are in a majority of course. Such teapots are the most functional, predictable and are commonly used. Segmental teapots thanks to their form symbolize in most cases flowers: lotus, golden-daisy, peony, water chestnut. These teapots consist of numerous symmetrically located segments, symbolizing petals. As for naturalist teapots, they reflect nature, with its shagginess, complex lines, crevices, asymmetry.