Gu Lian Zi QIAN XI ZINI Teapot |Yixing Zisha 古莲子 千禧紫泥 | 宜兴紫砂
Artist: Shi Wen Jie, National Master of Arts and Crafts Clay: Qian Xi Zini 千禧紫泥 Capacity: 145 ml Pour Time: 8s Made in artist's studio in the old Factory 1 grounds, Dingshan, Yixing Unique Lot Number: 4021-1, 4021-2
ABOUT THE TEAPOT This pot is part of a series crafted in a unique Zini clay called "Qian Xi" or "Millenium" Zini, named after the location where it was secretly mined. This special zini clay is especially prized among artists and collectors in recent years for its tolerance to firing at very high temperatures, which gives a beautiful luster and ability to develop an exceptional patina. The color is remarkably unique and can be fully appreciated in direct sunlight, where an elusive shimmer of faint pink grains can be discerned running through the purple-grey. The raw clay has been painstakingly aged and tempered over the past few years by the artist, yielding a superb granularity of texture which you can see in close-up shots. Despite its grey overtone (a result of the unique ore composition as well as the high firing temp), this clay is classified as a true zini, not to be mistaken for duanni.
This is a very formal, classical rendition of this traditional shape from the mid-1800s, the most famous piece immortalized in the Forbidden City museum and which is here reincarnated 1:1 in this new clay. (Final picture shows the original Forbidden City Palace Museum piece*). Excellent execution preserving the ideal proportions of the full body, elongated curved spout and flat lid.
A great piece from Shi Wen Jie, showcasing her strong technical craftsmanship combined with impeccable clay selection and firing control.
This family has impeccable academic pedigree combined with deep knowledge and passion in collecting some of the most premium clays, plus the capability to fire at super high kiln-temperatures (sometimes pushing the boundaries of regulations).
* Archival Photo source: The Palace Museum website
