Xie Yao Fully Handmade Gongdeng Teapot, Zini Clay (2025, approx. 180ml)
This Gongdeng (宮燈) teapot was fully handmade in Yixing in 2025 by contemporary potter Xie Yao (謝瑤), a student of Chu Wenfeng (儲文峰). Made from zini (紫泥) and holding approximately 200ml, it combines the upright presence of the traditional Gongdeng form with restrained literati-style decoration.
The Gongdeng, literally “palace lantern,” takes its inspiration from the balanced, architectural proportions of traditional Chinese lanterns. This piece has a tall, rounded body set on a defined foot, with a domed lid and clean horizontal lines around the mouth. The proportions are substantial without feeling heavy, while the simple handle and rising spout keep the overall silhouette composed and elegant.
One side of the body is engraved with the two characters “Qing Gong” (清供). The term is difficult to capture fully in English, but can be understood as “refined offerings” or “objects for quiet appreciation.” In traditional Chinese literati culture, qinggong referred to elegant objects arranged on a scholar’s desk or in the studio — flowers, fruit, miniature landscapes, incense vessels, antiques and other modest objects appreciated for their beauty and contemplative quality.
The opposite side develops this theme visually, with an engraved arrangement of bamboo, scholar’s rocks and a small vessel, imagery strongly associated with the aesthetics of the scholar’s studio. Rather than decoration for decoration’s sake, the composition evokes a way of living in which simple objects, carefully observed, become part of cultivating taste and tranquillity.
The pot is fitted with a ball-shaped multi-hole filter behind the spout. This provides a broad filtration area and helps maintain a smooth, controlled pour while keeping larger leaves inside the chamber, a practical detail particularly useful in a pot of this size.
The zini clay gives the pot a versatile brewing character, with good heat retention and a balanced interaction with the liquor. At around 200ml, it is well suited to shared sessions and works especially comfortably with oolong, yancha, aged teas and puer.
A contemporary Yixing teapot in which form and decoration speak the same language: balanced, quiet and cultivated, with the idea of qinggong turning the vessel itself into an object of everyday contemplation.
Care Instructions
Not suitable for dishwashers or microwaves.
Gift Wrapping
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