Gu Yueming-Marked Duan Ni Sculptural Tripod Teapot
Name/Title
Gu Yueming-Marked Duan Ni Sculptural Tripod TeapotEntry/Object ID
TP0106Description
Unique, asymmetrical teapot featuring a sculptural, abstract body. With carved calligraphy, reading from a famous four-character idiom derived from the Analects of Confucius, translating to "Finding joy within it" or "To take pleasure in what one does". In the context of tea culture, it beautifully reflects the quiet fulfillment, mindfulness, and happiness found in the simple act of brewing and drinking tea. The material used is a natural co-generic mineral mixture containing green and purple clays, found primarily around the Yellow Dragon Mountain region in Yixing. When fired, the clay yields a prominent porous structure and a warm, sandy beige or yellow tone. The stamped seal on the bottom reads (Gu Yueming zhi), which translates to "Made by Gu Yueming". Gu Yueming is a recognized Chinese ceramic artist and master potter originating from the historic pottery capital of Yixing in Jiangsu Province. His signature style focuses on heavily altered, asymmetrical, or organically fluid shapes that treat the teapot as a canvas for unified sculptural expression. The back of the pot features artwork created using Yixing Zisha (pottery carving). Rather than painting with pigments. The artist used specialized iron chisels to score into the damp, unfired Duan Ni clay. The darker, charcoal-colored lines are achieved by inlaying a darker zisha mud paste into the incised channels before firing, creating the everlasting contrast. The landscape etching depicts two birds standing together atop a jagged rock formation, symbolizing companionship, harmony, and peace. The porous rock structure (Taihu Stone) echoes the literal porosity of the Duan Ni clay and reflects the classic intellectual appreciation for weathered stones. Branching outwards from behind the stone are delicate carvings of blooming chrysanthemums on the left and bamboo stalks on the right. Bamboo represents resilience, while the chrysanthemum symbolizes longevity and a quiet, unbothered life.Category
Chinese ceramic teapot