Round Xishi Hu with a Bird Motif | Yixing Teapot, Luni, 210 ml

A traditionally styled teapot in a yellowish-green color. These green clays are typically blends of Duan Ni and Bai Ni, to which cobalt oxide and chromium oxide are added in carefully balanced proportions to achieve the desired hue. Cobalt oxide shifts the color toward blue, while chromium oxide brings out green tones.

This teapot features a delicate bird motif on its body. A bird calmly sitting on a branch evokes stillness, as if taking a moment to observe. This is often connected to Taoist or Zen-inspired ideas of natural balance and quiet observation.

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.