Liufang Minglu Teapot

At first glance, the Liufang Minglu (Hexagonal Ming Censer) might appear to be a traditional classic. In fact, it is a recent original design by master Wu Jianming, inspired by the Xuande bronze censers of the Ming dynasty. The form is ancient and minimalist, yet deceptively challenging. The body is slightly flattened with a pronounced belly— demanding a shape that is flat but not sunken, rounded and full. This piece takes the Minglu foundation and transforms the round form into a hexagonal square ware, resulting in an elegant, dignified vessel. Contemporary artisan Liu Ye executes this demanding design with exceptional precision.

• ▸ Original hexagonal censer Wu Jianming’s design reinterprets the classic Ming bronze censer into a hexagonal teapot. The slightly flattened body with a prominent belly achieves a rare equilibrium—flat yet not collapsed, plump yet well‑proportioned.
• ▸ Unified hexagonal elements From knob to lid to belly, every component follows a six‑sided geometry. The corners are softened into a blunt, rustic roundness, giving the pot a沉稳 (calm and substantial) aura.
• ▸ Smooth transitions The one‑curve spout (yī wān liú) and the handle attach naturally to the body, with lines flowing seamlessly. The spout‑handle pairing is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
• ▸ Exquisite chamfering What sets this piece apart is the meticulous finishing of every edge and corner. Each chamfer angle has been repeatedly refined by Liu Ye, ensuring that every detail feels right to the touch and eye. The precision is evident even under close scrutiny.
• ▸ High craftsmanship threshold Though many Minglu‑style teapots appear on the market, few achieve this level of refinement. The hexagonal form demands perfect symmetry, seamless joints, and a lively fullness that resists rigidity. Liu Ye’s execution here is outstanding.