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Chen Mingyuan's “Black Clay Shuyao Teapot”Chen Mingyuan's “Black Clay Shuyao Teapot”Beijing Poly 2013 Autumn AuctionPrice Realized: RMB 9,890,000
This particular “Black Clay Shuyao Teapot”, inscribed with "Lian Zhai Ming," is a collaboration work made by Chen Mingyuan and Cao Lianrang.
Originating from Southern Fujian, the pot was unfortunately damaged at the time of its discovery, with the spout and the rim of the lid both damaged. Locals, unaware of its value, ground it down with an abrasive wheel, which is quite regrettable. The pot's body is made of a fine, hard clay mixed with multicolored clay, creating a visually striking and mottled appearance. The clay is delicate, with a smooth and lustrous color, and a naturally formed patina.
The pot is exquisitely small, with a lid that is slightly domed, resembling a semicircle. The base of the teapot is flat, with four notches left in the faux ring foot, breaking the sense of heaviness and creating an impression of humility and openness. The pot's knob is bridge-shaped, with a rectangular hole carved on top, echoing the pot's base. The shape of the pot is dignified and stable, with a waistband pattern in the middle, and the knob and base are also adorned with square line circles.
An inscription in running script on the bottom of the pot reads: "A pot of clear tea, ten thousand volumes of books, a bright window and a clean table, such is the joy of life." It is signed "Lian Zhai." The calligraphy is elegant, full of scholarly charm, with a delicate and graceful style reminiscent of the Jin and Tang dynasties, maintaining a strong and ancient charm amidst its refined and ethereal quality.
