On one side of the teapot, a lotus seedpod and a bird swaying on a branch are visible. The lotus seedpod symbolizes both fertility and the surplus abundance, representing growth. On the other side of the teapot, there is calligraphy (reversed): “秉履十里,” which translates to “If you persistently take your steps, you can reach ten miles.”
The Xishi is the most famous teapot shape, which was first modeled after the famous courtesan’s breast during the Ming Dynasty. Xu Youquan (17th century) worked based on ancient copper and bronze sacrificial vessels, and he also created many natural forms, such as flowers, bamboo, melons, elephants, and other natural phenomena. His most famous creation is the Xishi shape, which evokes the curves and charm of Xi Shi, a Chinese beauty ideal who lived in the 6th century BCE. Since then, this has been the most commonly made and beloved Yixing teapot shape in the world.
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