Four Chinese Hanzi Engrave Xi Shi Yixing Teapot

These four Xi Shi Yixing teapots are made of Di Cao Qing clay, and each are of a large 450mL capacity. They are each engraved with one of four Chinese characters (福, 禄, 寿, 喜) in different font types, and have been done so very finely, showing the maker’s superb skills and attention to detail. The Xi Shi style is easy to use and a classic teapot for use in gongfu tea ceremonies.

Fu Engrave Xi Shi Yixing Teapot

福 (fu) means luck, and represents all kinds of good things. These days, people seek material well-being as much as the fulfillment of their own spirit, praying for good luck at the beginning of each New Year. In China people often display a painting of this character in red on their door, seeking to bring them good luck and a prosperous life in the coming year.

Lu Engrave Xi Shi Yixing Teapot

禄 (lu) represents wealth, fortune, and prosperity. In ancient China it was used to refer to the salary of government officials as well as the wealth pursued by common folk throughout their lives. Now it means both of these as well as happiness and blessings in the modern world.

Shou Engrave Xi Shi Yixing Teapot

寿 (shou) represents longevity, good health, and long life, which have always been the strongest wishes of people throughout the ages: life is short, and longevity is the foundation of continued wealth and happiness.

Xi Engrave Xi Shi Yixing Teapot

喜 (xi) means happiness in traditional Chinese psychology, and the seeking of fortune and good luck. Everyone wishes for happiness, and wants good luck to come to them.

Material - Di Cao Qing (底槽清)

Di Cao Qing was originally produced in Huanglong, Dingshan, Yixing, in Jiangsu Province, widely used by teapot makers early in history; now, however, it is extremely rare. The turquoise Ben Shan particles, known as “corn” or “cat’s eye”, are unevenly distributed in the original ore - when the clay is mixed and then fired, it becomes mild and exquisite, purple with golden speckles and with the surface taking on a ruddy and somewhat oily texture.

The Maker - Sun Wen

Sun Wen is a young female potter born in Dingshu Village, Yixing in Jiangsu Province, an area famous for its pottery. Her parents are experienced craftsmen of the discipline, and served as inspiration for her interest in the art of Yixing purple clay from her childhood. She has always studied hard in order to improve and advance her own workmanship, eventually establishing a quaint, elegant style of her own, including words and pictures carved into the teapot to enhance its meaning.

Origin

Yixing County is known as the Pottery Capital of China for its extensive 6500-year history of the craft. The area boasts abundant resources of argil, tea, bamboo, and charcoal, each of which contributes an important base material for the making of pottery. Yixing Zisha products have earned countless prizes both at home in China as well as abroad, with a few exceptional works presented as national gifts during international diplomacy.