Gong Zhu Di Cao Qing Teapot | Yixing Zisha 贡珠 底槽清 | 宜兴紫砂
Artist: Wu Hong Fang, ranked "Arts & Crafts Master" Clay: Di Cao Qing Capacity: 100ml Made in artist's studio in the old Factory 1 grounds, Dingshan, Yixing Unique Lot Number: 4032
ABOUT THE TEAPOT
A rare micro-capacity piece from Master Wu Hong Fang, crafted in a rich Di Cao Qing clay. The name translates as "Tribute Pearl".
This piece is inspired closely by very classical Qing-era designs, particularly those in the school of small-volume gongfu-style pieces typically made in Zhuni. Here, however, Master Wu has selected a lavish Di Cao Qing clay to give the piece more austerity and depth, highlighting instead the perfect poise of the form (as the picture in silhouette shows). Such small pieces are challenging to design well, but here Master Wu has balanced perfectly the lines of the upturned, flared spout and the strong handle, in counterpoint to the fullness of the body. Despite this presence, it may be almost surprising to see the actual size of the tiny pot, which fits snugly in an enclosed palm!
A technical marvel from Master Wu and is a showcase of her recent progression in creating highly refined small pieces (which we have for years been requesting her to do more of).
The creator of this piece is Master Wu Hong Fang, a senior Zisha artist who started her career as Zisha apprentice in factory 1 in the 80s. She works wonders with her signature clays of Zini, Di Cao Qing and Jiang Po Ni, each piece retaining the glazed iron color and stone-textured finish.
