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The Esteemed History and Value of Imperial Yixing Teapots
Since the late Ming Dynasty, Yixing pottery has been highly esteemed by the imperial court and often selected as tribute. The term "Imperial Yixing" was first coined by experts and scholars at the Beijing Palace Museum, specifically referring to the high-grade, exquisitely crafted Yixing items used by the emperors. These teapots entered the palace through two main channels: commissioned orders from the imperial workshop in Yixing, and contributions from local officials in Yixing. Up until the late Qing Dynasty, a significant number of fine Yixing pieces were collected and used by the court.
Collection at the Beijing Palace Museum
The Beijing Palace Museum currently houses over 400 Yixing pieces, including those made before 1949 and acquired after the founding of the People's Republic of China until the 1980s. Although the overall number is not vast, the collection is comprehensive, featuring various types of tea ware, tableware, scholar's utensils, and elegant playthings. It also includes sets of ritual vessels, fish tanks, flower pots, animal sculptures, and biomimetic fruit pieces.
In terms of quantity, Yixing teapots dominate the collection. The variety includes round pots, flat round pots, ball pots, bundle pots, dragon and phoenix pots, handle pots, lacquered pots, monk's cap pots, hexagonal pots, flat square pots, square pots, cylindrical pots, chrysanthemum petal pots, ginkgo pots, bamboo section pots, plum blossom pots, longevity pots, and warming pots, among others. Following teapots, the collection includes scholar’s utensils for display; practical items such as plates and bowls are less numerous.
Notable Pieces and Renowned Artisans
Most of these items date from the Qing Dynasty, with a few from the late Ming and early Republican periods. The collection includes pieces by famous artisans such as Shi Dabin, Xiang Shengsi, Hui Mengchen, Chen Mingyuan, Chen Yintang, Chen Sheng'en, Yang Pengnian, Chen Mansheng, Shao Youlan, Shao Yutang, Wang Nanlin, Yang Mengchen, Zhu Shimei, Huang Yulin, Hua Fengxiang, and Pei Shimin.
One of the most prominent pieces is a square lacquered Yixing teapot by Shi Dabin from the Ming Dynasty. This teapot, made of Yixing clay and later enhanced by imperial artisans, is coated with multiple layers of red lacquer and features intricate carvings. The sides are adorned with different floral patterns, with the front depicting a tea-drinking scene under pine trees and the back showing a conversation between scholars. The spout and handle are decorated with flying crane and flowing cloud motifs. The craftsmanship and elegance of this piece are unparalleled, making it a prized possession far superior to the usual scholarly items. According to researcher Wang Jianhua from the Palace Museum's Ancient Pottery Research Center, it is one of the world's rare surviving treasures.
Auction Highlights
The value of imperial Yixing pieces is further highlighted by modern auctions. In 2010, at the "Yixing Masterpieces and Precious Teas" auction in Shenyang, a teapot named "Yixing Kiln Black Lacquer Gold Painted Auspicious Teapot" started with a base price of 330,000 yuan. After several rounds of bidding, it sold for 1.55 million yuan, underscoring the immense value of Palace Museum collections.
Conclusion
Imperial Yixing teapots not only represent the pinnacle of Chinese ceramic art but also hold immense historical and cultural value. Their exquisite craftsmanship and unique designs make them coveted items for collectors and historians alike. The collections in the Beijing Palace Museum provide a glimpse into the grandeur and sophistication of Yixing pottery, cementing its status as an invaluable heritage of Chinese artistry.
