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 the 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 on how many classical shapes are in existence in general. Some assert that 9 of them, others mention the number – 16. To my mind, one names as many 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 and naturalistic or simulating nature. Geometric shapes are the most prevalent. Such teapots are functional, predictable and a little easier to use. Segmental teapots thanks to their form symbolize flowers in most cases: lotus, golden daisy, peony, water chestnut and others. These teapots consist of numerous symmetrically located segments, symbolizing petals. As for naturalist teapots, they reflect nature, with its shagginess, complex lines, crevices, and asymmetry.

The list of traditional Yixing teapot shapes

Ball-shaped teapot - 掇球
(duō qiú)

Well enclosure - 德鐘
(dé zhōng)

Dragon`s Egg - 龙蛋
(lóng dàn)

Stone ladle - 石瓢
(shì piáo)

Chinese beauty, Xi Shi - 西施
(xī shī)

Pomelo - 文旦
(wén dàn)

Guava - 芭樂/線瓢
(bā lè)

Pear - 思亭 / 梨形
(sī tíng / lí xíng)

Calabash, Hulu - 葫芦
(hú lú)

Pumpkin - 南瓜
(nán guā)

Hexangular teapot - 六方
(liù fāng)

Antique-style, Fang Gu - 仿古
(fǎng gǔ)

Flat hollow - 虚扁
(xū biǎn)

Flat belly - 扁腹
(biǎn fù)

Half-moon - 半月
(bàn yuè)

Wide tube - 洋桶
(yáng tǒng)

Water level - 水平
(shuǐ píng)

Qing power - 秦权
(qín quán)

Beauty`s shoulder - 美人尖
(Mei ren jian)

You may also like: Yixing teapot shapes infographic