Orchid-Engraved Wide Xishi Teapot 215ml

Shape and Design

• Origin of the Shape: The Xishi Teapot was originally named “Wendan Pot” or “Xishi Ru” (meaning Xishi’s breast), and was first created by Xu Youquan. Its shape is like the plump breast of a beautiful woman, with a spout like a cherry mouth, a handle in the shape of an inverted ear, and a round knob like a nipple. Later, due to the 不雅 of the name “Xishi Ru”, it was renamed “Inverted-Handle Xishi Teapot”.
• Shape Characteristics: The 215ml Orchid-Engraved Wide Xishi Teapot has a round and full body, with smooth lines that are both soft and graceful. The wide – mouth design makes it convenient to put in tea leaves. The spout is short and slightly thick, tilting slightly, and the handle is thick at the bottom and thin at the top, in the shape of an inverted ear, which fits the palm comfortably and is easy to hold. The lid is usually a truncated lid, which is seamlessly connected to the body of the pot, and the knob is round and small, which is the finishing touch. The orchid pattern engraved on the surface of the pot adds an elegant artistic atmosphere. The delicate carving of the orchid flowers and leaves reflects the superb craftsmanship of the artisan.

Production Process

• Material Selection: It is usually made of high-quality purple clay materials, such as purple mud, duan mud, or zhuni clay. Different clay materials have different characteristics. For example, purple mud has high iron content and good air permeability. Zhuni clay has a high shrinkage rate and a delicate texture. The selected clay materials need to be kneaded and aged to ensure the quality of the pot.
• Production Craftsmanship: The production process of the teapot is complex and requires high craftsmanship. It includes processes such as beating the body, making the spout, handle, and lid, and engraving. The body of the pot is usually made by hand – beating. The craftsman needs to control the strength and angle of each beat to make the texture of the mud door inside the pot natural and 舒展. The orchid engraving process is divided into two types: decal and hand – engraving. Hand – engraving is to use a carving knife to carve on the green body. The knife work is vivid and the charm is unique, which is difficult to imitate by machine carving.

Capacity and Use

• Capacity Advantage: The 215ml capacity is suitable for both single – person drinking and small – group tea parties. In the office, it can meet the needs of single – person drinking, and in the tea – tasting scene, it can be matched with a 40ml tasting cup to meet the needs of three – person drinking.
• Suitable Tea Varieties: It is suitable for a variety of tea varieties, such as black tea, fragrant tea, oolong tea, puer tea, dahongpao, and tieguanyin. The unique air permeability and heat – retaining properties of purple clay can better release the aroma and taste of tea.

Cultural Connotations

• Aesthetic Value: The Xishi Teapot is a model of “carrying beauty with utensils” in purple clay art. Its shape is inspired by the beauty Xishi, symbolizing the beauty, roundness, and docility of traditional women. The orchid pattern on the pot body has always been a symbol of integrity, nobility, and friendship in Chinese culture. The combination of the two endows the teapot with rich aesthetic and cultural connotations.