Everlasting Life Mountain Stone (ShouShan Shi) | Jianshui Zitao, Chen Hong Zhi Teapot

Description

STYLE

The knob of the teapot is modelled on a raw Shushan stone, which is the raw material for the famous ShouShan stone carving art in Fujian province, known since the Southern Dynasties. The shape of the teapot itself is Xishi, the surface is moderately glossy, with a dull shine and perfectly polished. It has a ball filter, allows rapid pouring. The core point of Jianshui ceramics is the elegance of the inlaid clay and the polished surface. It brings out the fruity, mineral flavours in the tea infusion.

Jianshui is one of the four famous ceramic cities in China, mainly due to the artistic processing of coloured clays from local clay mines and the related ceramic crafts, as well as Yixing.  The township is in Yunnan, not far from Kunming. Jianshui pots, which are more robust than the Yixing pots, are thrown on a potter’s wheel. The valuable handicraft in this case the process of carving, filling the carvings with different coloured clays and then polishing the surface with river stones. The unglazed pots, which shine brightly on the outside, are ‘breathing’ tea vessels with high heat retention. Their colour is usually eggplant black, rust brown, but they can also be light grey or yellow. The antique-looking style vessels are decorated with figurative motifs and calligraphy.

Born in 1986, Chen was awarded the title of National Assistant at the age of 25, after which he studied and worked tirelessly, and created a new style and a new pattern in Zitao art. In 2016, his style, carved on the inside walls of the pots, was listed as a Chinese Intangible Heritage and he was awarded the title of Master at a very young age. His works have won first prizes and honours in provincial and national competitions.

Shoushan stone speaks of patience, touch, and the beauty shaped by nature.
Originally, Shoushan stone is a natural ornamental material formed from volcanic tuff and later shaped by water. It is a soft, fine-grained rock particularly well-suited for intricate carvings. Its cultural significance and carving tradition are rooted in Shoushan village, Fujian province, China.

Shoushan stone carries deep cultural and spiritual meaning in Chinese art and philosophy. The name itself, Shou (寿), means longevity. As a gift, it expresses a wish for a long and prosperous life. Due to its softness and elegance, Shoushan stone became the favored material for seals and scholar’s objects. It symbolizes wisdom, learning, and personal cultivation—core values of Confucian philosophy.

Collectors believe that Shoushan stone has a kind of “living” quality—it warms to the touch, develops a sheen over time, and seems to come alive. This also carries Daoist meaning: a harmonious connection between human and nature, formed through patience and respectful touch. With regular use, volcanic ash transforms into a beautiful, precious stone—embodying the Daoist ideal of transformation, where raw natural force evolves into refined beauty.

Although the Shoushan stone on the lid of Master Shen Hong Zhi’s teapot is made of clay, its symbolism is clear. As the teapot is used, the knob changes in color, texture, and feel—becoming unique over time, reflecting the owner’s personality and refined tea practice.

MATERIAL

Jianshui Zitao

DIMENSIONS

Capacity: 180 ml.

SIGNATURE/ARTIST

Chen Hong Zhi, 2025, Jianshui Village

PROVENANCE

Direct from the artist

CONDITION

New