Dabin Liufang Teapot

The Dabin Liufang (六方) is a seminal square teapot form created by the Ming dynasty master Shi Dabin. The original piece is housed in the Beijing Palace Museum, bearing the inscription “Jiashen Chunri, Shi Dabin Zhi” — the earliest excavated and reliably dated square Yixing teapot known. This rendition is masterfully crafted by contemporary artisan Liu Ye, who faithfully revives the classic while infusing it with her signature precision and geometric clarity.

• ▸ Historic lineage The original Dabin Liufang, now in the Palace Museum, marks the earliest known square Yixing teapot with a clear date. Liu Ye’s recreation honors this legacy with meticulous study.
• ▸ Six‑faceted贯通 design The knob, lid, body, and foot are all six‑sided, creating a fully unified geometric form. The straight lines dominate, complemented by subtle curves, resulting in a bright, crisp, and powerful silhouette.
• ▸ Precise structural details The body bulges slightly in the middle, tapering toward both ends, with sharp, clear edges that convey tension and strength. The press‑fit lid features a distinct “mother‑and‑child” line that separates lid from mouth. The square spout has a gentle micro‑curve, clean and efficient; the handle seamlessly joins the shoulder.
• ▸ Masterful chamfering Every corner and edge is carefully chamfered, softening the strict geometry without losing its definition. Liu Ye’s dedication to these details elevates the piece beyond ordinary square ware.
• ▸ Huanglongshan Cinnabar Clay Sourced from the famed Huanglongshan mine, this premium clay fires to a warm brownish‑brown. It is exceptionally suited for dark teas: its dense yet porous structure enhances the deep, earthy flavors of ripe pu’er and dark teas (heicha), while smoothing out any rough notes over time.
• ▸ Functional excellence At 250 cc, it is perfect for shared gongfu sessions or a generous solo brew. The square spout delivers a focused, well‑controlled pour; the six‑sided lid fits snugly. A classic form that has endured since the Wanli era of the Ming dynasty, now ready for daily use.