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Su Shi, styled Zizhan and also known as Su Dongpo, was a native of Meishan in the Northern Song Dynasty (present-day Meishan, Sichuan), and he is recognized as one of China's most outstanding literary figures. It is said that Su Dongpo, a grand scholar of the Song Dynasty, led a life marked by ups and downs. In his later years, he faced many frustrations in his official career, experiencing numerous promotions and demotions. During these turbulent times, he traveled extensively, immersing himself in the local customs and traditions of various regions. Through interactions with different people and his own remarkable talent and creativity, his poetry, prose, calligraphy, and painting shone with a unique brilliance.
Historical records indicate that Su Dongpo visited Yixing multiple times and left behind many beautiful legends in the area. Initially, he was deeply enamored with Yixing's scenic landscapes and often felt a sense of joy and relaxation there. He once expressed his admiration for Yixing's natural beauty, saying, "I bought land in Yangxian to retire, always for the sake of its beautiful streams and mountains." In his perception of the world, he had a special affinity with Yixing, as if it was love at first sight. Eventually, he bought land there, intending it to be his place of retirement.
He was once invited to lecture at the Shushan Academy in Yixing, which was built at the foot of Shushan. It is said that when he climbed Dushan Mountain, he looked around and saw the distant peaks lush with greenery and the nearby waters meandering around, reminiscent of the mountains in his hometown of Meishan, which had always been dear to his heart. He exclaimed, "This mountain resembles Shu!" Consequently, the mountain has been called Shushan ever since.
The academy was converted into Dongpo Higher Primary School at the end of the Qing Dynasty. It was the first primary school in the Shushan area. During the Republic of China era, it was renamed Yixing Sixth Higher Primary School and later became known as Dongpo Primary School. Today, Dongpo Primary School still resides in this historic academy, rich with an ancient atmosphere. The renowned Zisha pottery master Gu Jingzhou also studied here.
Su Dongpo had a particular fondness for drinking tea. In his leisure time from his official duties, he pursued the elegant enjoyment of tea. He famously coined the term "the three perfections of tea-drinking," which refers to the beauty of the tea, the water, and the teapot. Yixing uniquely combines all three of these elements.
It is said that while Su Dongpo was lecturing at Shushan Academy in Yixing, he designed a type of handled teapot, which later generations named the "Dongpo Handled Teapot" in his honor. According to local folklore, Su Dongpo's young assistant would often carry a lantern to light his way at night. One day, Su Dongpo was struck by inspiration and thought, "Why not make a teapot in the shape of this lantern?"
At that time, teapot handles were typically attached to the side of the teapot. When the teapot was heated, the handle would become blackened and hot, making it impractical to use. This led to the innovative idea of placing the handle on top of the teapot, a concept attributed to Su Dongpo. He designed the handle in the shape of a withered tree branch from a scholar's perspective. He enjoyed brewing tea and savoring its flavor with great satisfaction. Some say that Su Dongpo was the first literary scholar to design Yixing teapots, although this remains a legend or an expression of the local people's affection for him. Since no names were inscribed on Song Dynasty teapots, no complete examples from that era have been found. Consequently, there is no evidence linking Su Dongpo to a specific handled Zisha teapot.
However, out of respect for this great literary figure, the people of Yixing named a type of handled teapot with three supports, two in the front and one in the back, the "Dongpo Handled Teapot." There is even a legend that Su Dongpo designed this teapot himself. However, during Su Dongpo's time, Yixing teapots had not yet come into existence; this style of teapot actually originated in the Qing Dynasty. Nevertheless, the enduring folk tales reflect the deep admiration and affection people have for this literary giant.
