The Fanggu shape is one of the most common types in the plain goods category. Later on, virtually every artisan who made plain goods would produce a version of the Fanggu Teapot. Adding poetry and paintings to a Fanggu pot imbues it with both antiquity and elegance. Today, we present ten versions of the Fanggu teapot crafted by renowned Zisha masters to appreciate the unique beauty of these Teapots.

1. Collaboration between Gu Jingzhou and Zhou Guizhen

▲ Fanggu Teapot by Zhou Guizhen and Gu Jingzhou

Spring Auction 2011

Selling Price: RMB 2,415,000

Seals: Made by Zhou Guizhen (base seal); Zhou, Guizhen (lid seal); GuiZhen (handle seal)

Inspection: Fill the jade pot with spring for a casual sip, expanding the chest with poetic thoughts. Inscribed and carved by Old Pot, Lean Pine. 1000cc

2. Gu Jingzhou

▲ Fanggu Teapot by Gu Jingzhou

Auction Autumn 2011

Selling Price: RMB 1,840,000

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Inscription: The oriole tongue sprays fragrance. Made by Jingzhou in the summer month of the year of the Water Buffalo at the Zisha Factory in Yixing.

Seal: Handmade by Jingzhou

Note: Carved plum blossoms by Xu Xiutang

3. He Daohong

▲ Fanggu Teapot by He Daohong

Spring Art Auction 2011

Selling Price: RMB 1,035,000

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Seals: DaoHong (lid); Made by He Daohong (base)

This teapot has an elegant and ancient form, yet it also contains dynamism. The lid and body are seamlessly integrated, the spout curves upwards with great force, and the handle is large and oval-shaped. The base is concave inward, and the mother-child line of the lid fits tightly with the body. The button is flat and round, corresponding to the belly, and the spout and handle are balanced. The overall shape has beautiful arcs and smooth lines, making it visually very comfortable. The entire teapot is stable and plump.

4. Xu Hantang

▲ Fanggu Teapot by Xu Hantang

Shanghai United Spring Art Auction 2015

Selling Price: RMB 952,000

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This Fanggu teapot has a slightly flattened round body, which appears even flatter due to its flat shoulders, giving it an elegant and refined appearance. The rounded button matches the body, adding ample charm. The mother-child line precisely divides the lid and mouth, with a large lid that exudes grandeur.

The teapot follows traditional shapes, with a curved spout and ear-shaped handle. The lines are smooth, and the proportions are appropriate. With the outward-splayed spout and wide ear-shaped handle, the teapot is full of power, as if holding its energy deep within, ready to burst forth.

5. Qing Dynasty: Shao Daheng

▲ Fanggu Teapot by Daheng

Auction Autumn 2013

Selling Price: RMB 920,000

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Teapots made by Daheng have been treasured by enthusiasts from late Qing Dynasty to the present day.

This Daheng Fanggu teapot was made from high-quality purple clay, with a thick patina, a drum-shaped body, an arched round lid, and a flat round button that corresponds to the body. The short spout curves upward slightly, merging with the body. Its lid has a trumpet-shaped opening, and the air hole is small on the outside and conical inside. It bears a melon seed-shaped seal. This piece has a substantial and grand feel, making it a fine example appreciated by both the learned and the unlearned.

6. Qing Dynasty: Huang Yulin, Inscribed by Gengyun, Inscription by Wu Changshuo

▲ Fanggu Teapot by Huang Yulin, Inscribed by Gengyun, Inscription by Wu Changshuo

Auction April 2015

Selling Price: RMB 453,938

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Huang Yulin (1842-1914), following Shao Daheng, was another important late Qing dynasty teapot master. His teapots were made from carefully selected clay and had glossy, clean, and refined finishes. They were exquisite without losing their antique charm and had a natural grace and subtlety.

7. Qing Dynasty: Cheng Shouzhen

▲ Purple Clay Fanggu Teapot by Cheng Shouzhen

Spring Auction 2015

Selling Price: RMB 440,550

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The Fanggu teapot is one of the outstanding representative works of Cheng Shouzhen, condensed from the essence of past zisha teapots.

The body is flattened, the belly is drummed, the neck is high, and the lid is flat and smooth. The mother-child line of the lid fits tightly with the body. The button is flat and round with strength. The spout and handle are balanced, and the posture is beautiful. It is highly suitable for Tea tasting and is beloved by the people. It is widely circulated, and major museums have collections of his work. It is a masterpiece of his life.

8. Pei Shimin

▲ Duanmu Fanggu Teapot by Pei Shimin

Spring Auction 2012

Selling Price: RMB 425,600

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This teapot was made from original mine duanmu. The shape features a drum belly, a flat bottom, a large flattened round lid, a flattened round button, a curved spout, and a round handle. The front and back are naturally connected, flowing smoothly and seamlessly, with endless charm.

The lid button is round and subtly echoes the spout and handle. The craftsmanship is delicate and outstanding, and it emits a timeless spirit, inviting repeated appreciation with new insights each time.

9. Wang Yunchun

▲ Purple Clay Fanggu Teapot by Wang Yunchun

Auction Autumn 2014

Selling Price: RMB 322,000

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Seals: Yunchun (lid seal); Wang Yunchun (base seal)

This teapot is in the Daheng Fanggu style and is an early work by Wang Yunchun that meticulously em