The sky-high prices of properties in first-tier cities are daunting, yet in the auction world where items often sell for tens of millions of yuan, a single hammer strike can be enough to purchase a home in Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou. A Purple Clay Teapot valued at over ten million yuan not only epitomizes the ultimate pursuit of craftsmanship and quality but also symbolizes status and wealth. Beyond their price tags, what exceptional qualities do these classic works possess?
Today, we present some of the top-selling Purple Clay Teapots from auctions.
▲ Low Shoulder Rail Teapot
Collaboration between Gu Jingzhou and Wei Zixi, 1989
Selling Price: RMB 10,350,000
Beijing Poly Auction Spring Sale 2011
▲ Cloud Shoulder Ruyi Three-Piece Tea set
Gu Jingzhou, Contemporary
Selling Price: RMB 10,235,000
Kuangs Times Spring Art Auction 2011
▲ Xiang Ming Stone Spout Teapot
Made by Gu Jingzhou, painted and calligraphed by Wu Hufan, Modern Times
Selling Price: RMB 27,025,000
Kuangs Times Autumn Auction 2015
▲ Rhombus Set (one teapot and two cups)
Made by Gu Jingzhou, Modern Times
Selling Price: RMB 19,320,000
Yuanfang Auction Spring “Into Wuxi” Art Auction 2015
▲ Ti Bi Set (a total of eleven pieces)
Made by Gu Jingzhou, Modern Times
Selling Price: RMB 17,825,000
Beijing Poly Autumn Auction 2011
▲ Hexagonal Teapot
Made by Gu Jingzhou, Modern Times
Selling Price: RMB 17,825,000
Beijing Yirong Autumn Art Auction 2013
▲ Duozhi Teapot
Made by Shao Daheng, Mid-Qing Dynasty
Selling Price: RMB 17,250,000
Shanghai Baolong Spring Art Auction 2012
▲ Five-Color Mud-Decorated Ritual Teapot
Created during the Yongzheng Period
Selling Price: RMB 17,250,000
Yuanfang Auction Autumn Art Auction 2014
▲ Jade Disc Handle Teapot
Carved and made by Gu Jingzhou
Selling Price: RMB 16,330,000
Shanghai Chunqiutang Autumn Auction 2014
▲ Hanting Stone Spout Teapot
Made by Gu Jingzhou, painted and calligraphed by Wu Hufan, Late Republic of China (1948)
Selling Price: RMB 14,950,000
Beijing Poly Eighth Anniversary Spring Auction
▲ Circle Twisted Handle Teapot
Made by Shi Dabin, Ming Dynasty
Selling Price: RMB 13,440,000
Xiling Yinshe Autumn Art Auction 2010
▲ Large Ti Bi Teapot
Made by Gu Jingzhou
Selling Price: RMB 12,880,000
Beijing Hanhai Spring Auction 2012
▲ High Line Tripod Set Teapot
Made by Gu Jingzhou
Selling Price: RMB 12,880,000
Jiangsu Hexin First Art Autumn Auction 2011
▲ Slanted Mouth Plum Trunk Set Teapot
Made by He Daohong
Selling Price: RMB 12,650,000
Beijing Hanhai Autumn Auction 2013
▲ Hollow Flat Teapot
Made by Gu Jingzhou
Selling Price: RMB 11,500,000
Beijing Hanhai Spring Auction 2012
▲ Handle Plate Teapot
Made by Gu Jingzhou and Han Meilin
Selling Price: RMB 11,500,000
China Guardian Spring Auction 2011
▲ Large Ji Yu Teapot
Made by Gu Jingzhou
Selling Price: RMB 11,500,000
Beijing Poly Tenth Anniversary Autumn Auction
▲ Ten-Piece Pine Nuts and Grapes Tea Set
Made by Gu Jingzhou,