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Gu Jingzhou's "Cangliufang"
Beijing Yirong Autumn Art Auction 2013
Final Price: RMB 17,825,000
This "Cangliufang" Yixing teapot features six sharp edges that flow from the top of the knob to the lid, body, and down to the foot of the pot, forming a hexagonal shape. The lines are clear and sharp, perfectly blending curved surfaces with flat planes, harmonizing square and round elements, and balancing strength and softness.
Particularly, the protruding dome on the lid adds a visual depth, suggesting a sense of impending motion, showcasing the artist's understanding and interpretation of plain ware art.
The color of the clay is restrained and introverted, with a fine and clean texture, exuding an air of grandeur and elegance. This teapot can be said to be one of Gu Jingzhou's most famous hexagonal pieces, with precise proportions and a blend of ancient and modern aesthetics, making it a rare work of art.
Gu Jingzhou's intention in creating this teapot lies in the name "Cangliu," which means "to hide." It refers to the behavior of a tortoise, which retracts its head, tail, and limbs into its shell when in danger.
The Buddhist scripture "Dhammapada" states: "Hide like a tortoise with its limbs, guarding one's thoughts like a fortress." Su Dongpo's "Ji Aoxuan" says: "To gain is like a tiger carrying a cub, to lose is like a tortoise hiding."
Both agree, metaphorically emphasizing the need for one's intelligence not to be overly exposed, to keep a low profile or to emerge modestly. To be introverted and secretive, continuously adjusting, with inner determination and belief unchanged, can one navigate through difficulties and hardships.
