He Shi Teapot

The He Shi  takes its name from a Qin dynasty standard for weighing grain— a measure of both stability and substance. Its form is extracted from that ancient implement: a four‑sided, square body that narrows slightly toward the top and expands at the base, presenting a posture of grounded dignity. Simple, honest, and profoundly classical. This piece is masterfully crafted by contemporary artist Liu Ye, who infuses the antique shape with refined literati details.

• ▸ Qin dynasty inspiration The He Shi was a standard weight for millet and grain in the Qin era. This teapot abstracts that form into four crisp, square lines that converge upward and expand below, creating a visually stable, honest silhouette.
• ▸ Jiangpo Ni clay Sourced from Huanglongshan, this Jiangpo Ni (a type of Cinnabar Clay) fires to a brilliant orange‑red with subtle yellow highlights. The body is fine, oily, and densely dotted with golden sand grains, giving it a rich, luminous surface that rewards handling.
• ▸ Harmonious proportions At rest, the teapot is perfectly balanced—square yet fluid. The gently arched press‑fit lid rises slightly, complementing the body’s taper. The one‑curve square spout emerges naturally, and the base features a “hollowed bamboo shoot” foot (tuo sun zu), adding a touch of grace without sacrificing stability.
• ▸ Spout‑body echo A subtle detail: the line of the spout rim visually echoes the body’s contours, creating a quiet rhythm that rewards close observation.
• ▸ Su Shi inscription Using a swift “chong dao” (push‑knife) carving technique, Liu Ye incised Su Shi’s “Thin Wine” (Bo Bo Jiu) poems in small seal script. The placement is deliberate—positioned slightly above the mid‑line; if lowered to the center, the composition would feel stiff. The text wraps elegantly, its archaic script complementing the vessel’s antique character.
• ▸ Hand feel & presence In hand, the He Shi exudes the calm dignity of an ancient artifact, yet reveals the delicate ingenuity of a master tea vessel. Every angle, every chamfer speaks of thoughtful design and skilled execution.