In the vast array of Yixing Teapot shapes, there are ten traditional classics that remain ever-popular. These ten styles have been crafted by almost every potter. Since their rise in popularity during the Ming Dynasty and their flourishing in the Qing dynasty, Yixing Teapots have evolved for hundreds of years, with countless variations in shape. Among these, there are over a hundred classic designs. Here is an introduction to some of them.

Shi Piao (Stone Spade)

The body of this teapot is trapezoidal with soft and flowing curves, giving it a thick and simple appearance. The feet are nail-like, forming a triangular tripod that gives the impression of being light yet stable. The spout is streamlined and powerful, often seamlessly integrated into the body of the teapot. The handle is typically inverted triangular, complementing the shape of the teapot and creating a harmonious aesthetic effect. The lid is flat with a bridge-shaped knob, clean and neat, with appropriate proportions that fully embody the characteristics of exquisite craftsmanship.

Fanggu (Imitation Antique)

The Fanggu teapot is one of Cheng Shouzhen's outstanding masterpieces, condensed from the essence of Yixing Teapots through the ages. It has a flattened body, a bulging belly, a high neck, and a smooth lid. The mother-and-child lines of the lid and body fit tightly together. The knob is flat and round with strength, and the spout and handle are well-proportioned, making for a beautiful posture. This teapot is highly suitable for Tea tasting and is treasured by common people, widely circulated, and collected by major museums. It is considered one of his lifetime masterpieces.

Gongchun (Gong Chun)

This teapot's shape resembles a ginkgo tree burl. The body is shaped like a flattened sphere, made of plain-colored clay with an uneven surface, covered in ancient wrinkles and intertwined textures, evoking a sense of returning to simplicity.

Tuiqiu (Piled Balls)

“Tui” means to pile up; “Tuiqiu” means piled-up balls. Created by Shao Daheng, it evolved from the Lotus Seed teapot by removing the ear-like handles below the handle. “Tui” can also mean to pick or connect, referring to selecting several spherical objects and connecting them according to certain rules and aesthetic principles. After selecting the spherical bodies, they are processed and transformed to create new beauty, resulting in a teapot that looks as fluid as clouds and water, very smooth and elegant. The Tuiqiu teapot exudes a pure and refined aura, smooth and reflective, showcasing its inner beauty through its simple form.

Tibi (Raised Rim)

The name of this teapot comes from its lid resembling an ancient jade disc. The body is a flattened cylindrical shape with a flat lid, a flattened button, a flattened handle, and a slightly curved design. The structure is rigorous, firm yet gentle, harmonious and balanced, with coordinated rhythm between solid and void. It is one of the contemporary Yixing teapots and also one of Gu's classic works. He repeatedly made and revised the shape of the teapot, expressing the sentiment of not stopping until perfection is achieved. It is a masterpiece that embodies the beauty of material, craftsmanship, form, function, and artistic conception in modern Yixing teapot art.

Yuhualong (Fish Transforming into Dragon)

The design of this teapot is ingeniously conceived, with fish, dragon, and cloud decorations seamlessly integrated with the body. The entire body is made to resemble undulating sea waves, with flowing lines that are simple yet crisp. The dragon spout on the lid extends and retracts freely, gracefully and flexibly. The dragon tail handle adds a delightful touch. During the Jiaqing, Daoguang, and Xianfeng periods of the Qing Dynasty, after careful design by Shao Daheng, the “Yuhualong” became a mature and widely circulated classic Yixing teapot style.

Dragon-Head Bamboo Bundle

This teapot is composed of 64 long bamboo segments around the body to match the number of hexagrams. There are 32 short bamboo segments divided into four groups of eight each, forming the feet. The lid features a relief engraving of the Eight Trigrams, while the button is shaped like the Taiji symbol, showing great ingenuity.

Jinglan (Well Parapet)

The design is simple, with a body like a well parapet. The embedded lid fits smoothly and harmoniously. The high pillar button is consistent with the body, the curved spout is subtle yet elegant, and the handle is large, flat on the outside and rounded on the inside. The base is large and round. Its design is one of the earliest streamline designs, with a comfortable grip and pouring sensation, belonging to the classic works of the “Man Sheng” style.

Baochun (Spring Announcement)

The “Meibaochun” teapot is originally from the exhibition room of the Jiangsu Yixing Purple Clay Art Factory and is one of Zhu's most famous works. It uses the theme of plum blossoms announcing spring, using carving, engraving, and modeling techniques to vividly depict the heroic posture of plum blossoms unafraid of frost and cold. It is graceful, steady, and exquisitely lifelike.

Fengjuan Kui (Cyclone Chrysanthemum)

The body of this teapot takes the shape of a chrysanthemum flower in a cyclone, both mimicking the object and bringing it to life with vibrant energy. This Cyclone Chrysanthemum style was created by Yang Fengnian. It features regular patterns, exquisite workmanship, and a harmonious degree of antiquity. The craftsmanship is rich in sweetness, truly a masterpiece by a female artist in the history of Yixing teapot art.

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