Favourite Yixing teapot shape

[tst]

Yeah, I figured that was a typo ... more like a Li Xing or Si Ting.

Here are some more links ...

Fang gu: http://www.jingteashop.com/pd-jing-tea- ... ot-bjt.cfm

vs.

2 Bian Hu pots:

http://www.jingteashop.com/pd-jing-tea- ... t-yxbh.cfm

http://www.jingteashop.com/pd-jing-tea- ... t-yxbh.cfm

One has more rounded edges, while the other is more square. Compared to the fang gu above, the hybrid bian hu looks similar to a fang gu to me.

More:
http://www.jingteashop.com/pd-jing-tea- ... pot-pt.cfm

Fang gu vs Bian Jiu Tan Hu

http://www.jingteashop.com/pd-jing-tea- ... t-dnfg.cfm

http://www.jingteashop.com/pd-jing-tea- ... tan-hu.cfm

I think what I'm understanding is that there are not specific, clear definitions for each pot shape (no set of rules the potter must follow) ... which also seems to be the case for clay.

However, there does seem to be less rigid, more loose fitting criteria for the pots (maybe?). For example, do all shi piao pots have this type of lid handle?

http://www.jingteashop.com/pd-jing-tea- ... piao-2.cfm

Does anyone have any examples of a shia piao pot without that style lid?

Or do the pot names refer only to the body shape, and allow for variation in spout, handle, lid?

This "fang gu" has a cannon-type spout ...

http://www.jingteashop.com/pd-jing-tea- ... -pznps.cfm

... whereas this one looks more like a short, limp weenie ...

http://www.jingteashop.com/pd-jing-tea- ... t-psfg.cfm

... and increasing length ...

http://www.jingteashop.com/pd-jing-tea- ... t-jhfg.cfm

http://www.jingteashop.com/pd-jing-tea- ... t-ylfg.cfm

... and with a pointed bottom lip of the spout
http://www.jingteashop.com/pd-jing-tea- ... pot-pt.cfm

Can anyone point me to a reference/place where I can learn the meanings of these names? Jing Tea Shop (in particular) uses a lot of words to describe their pots and it would be nice to be able to know what the meanings behind the names are.

[bagua7]

There is some good info on on this Chinese page about pot varieties (teapot origin of the name is the title).

You'll also find pics of all the existing pot shapes (including some weird shapes too like the chicken and human head type, hahaha).

Translation.

Hope this helps.

[wert]

Another similar guide on shapes in this chinese forum thread.

Google Translate

[chrl42]

Shui Ping & Li Xing (pear-shaped)

[William]

Shui Ping.

[AdamMY]

Shui Ping.

+1

Although I am not incredibly picky. I'd just rather have something that is functional and simple in design than pay extra for something that is fashioned to look very nice but likely to under-perform.

[chrl42]

The well proportioned Si Ting is like a dream...

There is a famous quote among old Fukienese and Cantonese communities..

"No name the first, Si Ting the second, Meng Chen the third and Yi Gong the fourth" I read an article 'no name' might indicate Gong Chun..traditionally the most sought-after pot since Ming dynasty.

Good-looking Si Ting is a real dream..having it in a tea tray will change the whole atmosphere of the tea set, I understand your point

[wert]

What's the difference between a Si Ting 思亭 and a Li Xing 莉型? They looked the same to me, I can't really tell them apart. :dummy:

No love for Ban Yue (半月), Long Dan (龙蛋) and Han Wa(汉瓦)? Nice classics too!

How important is the shape of the teapot when deciding which tea to brew with it?

[chrl42]

What's the difference between a Si Ting 思亭 and a Li Xing 莉型? They looked the same to me, I can't really tell them apart. :dummy:

No love for Ban Yue (半月), Long Dan (龙蛋) and Han Wa(汉瓦)? Nice classics too!

How important is the shape of the teapot when deciding which tea to brew with it?

The shape of Si Ting too came from a pear..a high pear, the difference is Si Ting pots had a carving (carved 思亭 on the lower side of handle or 'teeth' of lid).

Ban Yue and Han Wa came from Man Sheng 18-style and Long Dan must have come from huge pear-skinned Zhuni shape derived from Ming dynasty if I'm not wrong...they are all lovely pots

[wert]

The shape of Si Ting too came from a pear..a high pear, the difference is Si Ting pots had a carving (carved 思亭 on the lower side of handle or 'teeth' of lid).

Ban Yue and Han Wa came from Man Sheng 18-style and Long Dan must have come from huge pear-skinned Zhuni shape derived from Ming dynasty if I'm not wrong...they are all lovely pots

Thanks for the explanation. While I was searching for the answer, I found a commercial site, but they do give a good overview of the various shapes and some details of the history behind each individual shape. It is in chinese but hopefully the pictures would be helpful enough.

In summary, in addition to what chrl42 had explained Si Ting is a high pear, while Li Xing is a shorter and fatter pear.

[bagua7]

Thanks for providing those links about Yixing teapot shapes and the history behind them.

Cheers.

[Wan Ling]

Also, when I read "fang gu" and "fang gu hu", I assume these refer to the same shape, but can anyone provide a literal translation? What does the "hu" mean in the second name? I've also seen "pan hu" referred to as "san jiao" ... is this a correct substitute name? What is the translation of "san jiao"?

Thanks.

仿古壶 fang3 gu3 hu2 and 仿古 fang gu are the same. 壶 hu2 means pot e.g. 茶壶 cha hu teapot.

三角 san jiao (if it is these characters) means 3 cornered for example 三角形 san1 jian3 xing2 means triangle.

[wyardley]

三角 san jiao (if it is these characters) means 3 cornered for example 三角形 san1 jian3 xing2 means triangle.

I could be wrong, but would have guessed that san jiao referred to sānjiǎo / 三脚 (3 foot) pot. But hard to tell without knowing the characters used. I don't think pan hu would be either triangular, or would commonly come in the 3 foot style.

[kyarazen]

三角 san jiao (if it is these characters) means 3 cornered for example 三角形 san1 jian3 xing2 means triangle.

I could be wrong, but would have guessed that san jiao referred to sānjiǎo / 三脚 (3 foot) pot. But hard to tell without knowing the characters used. I don't think pan hu would be either triangular, or would commonly come in the 3 foot style.

3 foot is more popularly known as 三足 though

[bagua7]

Pics of Si Ting and Li Xing pots:




I have noticed that some of the Si Ting's come with a golden band sitting around the pot's spout. What is the reason for that?

Here's a shape that I find quite intriguing:



Half-Watt.

Anyone using any of these? What kind of tea have you found ideal for this particular shape?