Wengxing Small Round Teapot

Though not a traditional classic form, this small pot embodies the quintessential Ming and Qing teapot aesthetic. At first glance, it exudes the rustic, unpretentious charm of the late imperial era. The silhouette bears a striking resemblance to master Shao Feichi’s “Feichi Antique” form—a rounded, urn‑like body that is both plump and endearing. The lines are soft and lively, capturing the spirit of antique simplicity while offering a fresh, compact presence for modern tea lovers.

• ▸ Urn‑shaped body The body is fully rounded, like a miniature urn—compact, stable, and visually satisfying. The swelling curve gives it a soft, almost tactile warmth.
• ▸ Lid & knob details A short neck transitions to a pressed lid (ya gai) that sits flush with the body. The lid surface rises gently, topped with a small, neat cylindrical knob—delicate and proportionate.
• ▸ Exposed (ming) joints The spout and handle are attached using the ming jie (exposed joint) technique, where the connection points are deliberately visible, adding a rustic, handcrafted character. This method is typical of Ming‑Qing antique wares.
• ▸ Three‑curve spout & drooping ear handle The spout is a three‑curve (san wan) upward extension, flowing with natural, elegant弧度. The handle is a drooping ear (chui er) shape—slender, graceful, and comfortable to hold.
• ▸ Concealed false foot The base uses an concealed false foot (an jie jia di) technique, where the bottom is slightly recessed to create the illusion of a separate foot ring. The chamfered edges are exceptionally well finished, showcasing the maker’s careful attention.
• ▸ Base seal: “Yi Gong” The bottom is inscribed with the two characters “一工” (Yi Gong), meaning “One Craftsmanship” or “Single Work.” It is a humble mark of pride, emphasizing the potter’s dedication to purity of form.
• ▸ Qinghui Cinnabar Clay This Qinghui (green‑grey) clay is a type of Cinnabar Clay. After firing, it turns a light brownish‑grey, with a distinctly sandy texture. Fine sand grains are evenly distributed and visible to the naked eye. The body is dense and sturdy, offering excellent heat retention and breathability. It is ideal for mellowing oolongs, pu’er, and black teas.