Today, I will introduce you to nine classic models of round Teapots, each with its own amazing features, and all are masterpieces.

Imitation Ancient Style

Gu Jingzhou's Imitation Ancient Style

This Teapot is a classic masterpiece created in collaboration by Master Gu Jingzhou and Fan Zeng. The calligraphy and painting on the pot were personally engraved by Master Gu. It was made from high-quality zisha clay, with a fine texture and lustrous finish. On December 21, 2025, at the Jiangsu Hexin Autumn Auction, this imitation drum-shaped teapot (flat belly) sold for a high price of 28.75 million yuan.

Tui Zhi (Piled-up Handle)

Shao Daheng's Tui Zhi Teapot

The Tui Zhi teapot was created during the Daoguang period by Shao Daheng. This teapot measures nearly one chi in length and over six cun in height. Its color is deep and rich, smooth like jade, with an ancient and dignified shape, showing extraordinary elegance, fully demonstrating Shao Daheng's superb teapot-making skills.

Tui Qiu (Piled-up Ball)

Shao Daheng's Tui Qiu Teapot

Shao Youting's Tui Qiu Teapot

Cheng Shouzhen's Tui Qiu Teapot

The Tui Qiu is one of the classic models in zisha Pottery. Using aesthetic principles, three balls are stacked and connected according to certain rules, which demonstrates that our ancestors' artistic creations were truly superior. Although the final form does not resemble a perfect sphere, when broken down, every part originates from a sphere. The Tui Qiu has undergone three historical transformations: Daheng Tui Qiu, Youting Tui Qiu, and Shouzhen Tui Qiu, each representing different stylistic characteristics of their respective periods.

Yili Zhu (Single Pearl)

He Xinzhou's Yili Zhu

This is a piece from the Yucheng Kiln, created by the teapot maker He Xinzhou. The body of the teapot is full and round, resembling a pearl or jade, with a smooth and glossy surface. The embedded lid maintains the overall integrity of the teapot's shape.

A single pearl is embedded in the lid, creating a double visual effect. The spout is raised and emerges from the shoulder of the teapot, resembling a droplet sliding over a jade pearl, naturally following the curve of the teapot body.

Xishi (Lady of the West)

Qianlong Xishi Teapot

Lu Yaochen's Xishi Teapot

Wu Dongjin's Xishi Teapot

The Xishi teapot is incredibly classic. Originally called “Xizi's Breast,” it resembles the full breasts of Lady Xishi, but was later renamed “Xishi Teapot” as the original name sounded vulgar. The earliest recorded maker of this model was Xu Youquan in the Ming dynasty. Xu Youquan was familiar with the father of Wu Meiding and had made teapots at the Wu residence. In Wu Meiding's “Yangxian Minghu Fu,” he praised Xu Youquan, saying, “If one combines the past and present, achieves harmony in form and spirit, and elevates technique to the level of philosophy, wouldn't that be Xu Youquan?” He further commented, “In his creations…he imitated forms and bodies, exhausting his ingenuity and creativity, matching the grace of a beauty, surpassing even Lady Xishi.” Here, Lady Xishi refers to the Xishi teapot.

Shi Piao (Stone Ladle)

Gu Jingzhou's Shi Piao Teapot with Calligraphy and Painting by Wu Hufan

The full ladle teapot was not invented by Master Gu; many predecessors had made similar designs dating back to the Qing dynasty. However, Gu's version is most favored by teapot enthusiasts, combining elegance with refinement. It has been passed down through generations as the Jingzhou Shi Piao.

The front of this teapot features a painting of sparse bamboo signed by Hu Fan, while the back bears the engraving “Pouring a cup for you, singing wildly of bamboo branches,” signed by Xiangming and Wuqian. The seal reads “Gu Jingzhou” (lid) and “Dai Xiangming” (base). At the Beijing Kuangshi Autumn Auction in 2015, it sold for RMB 27.025 million.

Daoguang Qi Zizhi Carved Bamboo Patterned Zisha Teapot Peng Nian Signature

This teapot was made by Ji'an, with bamboo patterns carved by Qi Zizhi covering the body and lid, and the handle side inscribed with the signature “Zizhi.” Teapots with Qi Zizhi's carved plum blossoms are relatively rare. Zizhi Shi Piao teapots have always been highly sought after by zisha collectors due to their rarity. The mark on the bottom of the teapot reads “Yue Hu” in seal script. This teapot sold for 5.175 million yuan at the autumn auction in 2011.

Qin Quan (Qin Scale)

Gu Jingzhou's Qin Quan

Lu Yaochen's Qin Quan

The “Qin Quan” teapot is modeled after the Qin scale, resembling a bell, steady and solemn. The body of the teapot stands tall, narrowing towards the top. The spout rises slightly upward, strong and powerful. The loop-shaped handle is neither exaggerated nor understated. The embedded lid is slightly raised, fitting perfectly with the mouth. The knob is shaped like a bridge, similar to the hole in a scale weight. The bottom of the teapot is concave, solid and heavy. The neck, shoulders, belly, and foot follow a natural downward slope, symbolizing stability and honesty; the spout is slightly flat, symbolizing fair trade; the handle is round, symbolizing ample financial support; the four stable sides represent benefits to all directions.

Jing Lan (Well Parapet)

Gu Jingzhou's Short Jing Lan Teapot with Calligraphy