Liufang Ruding Teapot

The Three‑Foot Ruding (Milk‑Nipple) teapot was originally created by the legendary master Gu Jingzhou in the 1980s, drawing inspiration from ancient bronze vessels and the classic “Eighteen Forms of Mansheng.” The original features a round belly, wide base, short curved spout, loop handle, milk‑nipple knob, and three milk‑nipple feet—hence the name. This rendition by contemporary artisan Liu Ye transforms the round form into a hexagonal square ware while preserving the essence of Gu’s design. Even more remarkable, it is executed as a thin‑wall (bao tai) piece—a rare feat in square forms, where maintaining structural integrity is exceptionally challenging.

• ▸ Gu Jingzhou lineage The original round Ruding teapot was a late masterpiece of Gu Jingzhou, blending bronze-age solemnity with literati elegance. Liu Ye’s hexagonal version pays homage to this legacy while introducing a bold geometric transformation.
• ▸ Round-to-hexagonal conversion The plump, rounded belly is reimagined as a six‑sided body that is wide at the base and gently tapered at the top. The form remains饱满 (full and generous) yet gains a crisp, architectural precision.
• ▸ Hexagonal spout & handle A six‑sided one‑curve spout (liufang yī wān liú) extends naturally from the shoulder, rising with confident energy. The six‑sided inverted handle (liufang dǎo bǎ) sweeps downward, creating a balanced spatial tension with the spout.
• ▸ Three hexagonal milk‑nipple feet The iconic three feet are transformed into hexagonal studs, each shaped like a droplet about to fall—lively and delicate. Even the knob on the lid follows the hexagonal theme, maintaining visual unity.
• ▸ Thin-wall mastery While square forms already demand rigorous symmetry and seamless joins, a thin-wall construction multiplies the difficulty. The walls are notably thinner than standard, yet the pot remains sturdy and resonant. This requires exceptional control over clay moisture, forming, and firing—a true test of a potter’s skill.
• ▸ Crisp edges & refined details Every corner and ridge is cleanly defined, with sharp lines that convey strength. The chamfers are precise, avoiding any dullness. Despite the thin walls, there is no warping or unevenness—proof of Liu Ye’s meticulous craftsmanship.