Juban Teapot

The Juban teapot originated in the Ming dynasty as a classic of Yixing ribbed ware (jinwen). Inspired by the chrysanthemum flower, potters shaped the knob, lid, body, and even the base into radiating petals. The form reached its peak in the Qing dynasty, when it became a tribute item for the imperial court. This piece faithfully follows the Dabin Juban prototype: viewed from above, the petals radiate evenly from the center, with flawless transitions from tip to waist to root. Each petal is full and smooth. The lid and body ribs align precisely; the spout and handle also echo the lobed form. The base bears the inscription: “Pinwai Jushi Qing Shang · Yiyou Chongjiu · Dabin” – a tribute mark referencing Chen Jiru (Pinwai Jushi), a late Ming literati from Huating (modern Songjiang, Shanghai), renowned as a calligrapher, painter, and essayist on par with Dong Qichang. It was Chen Jiru who influenced Shi Dabin to redesign his teapots into smaller sizes. This “honorific mark” pays homage to that classical legacy.

• ▸ Radiating petal precision From the top, the ribs spread evenly like a chrysanthemum in full bloom. Each petal segment – tip, waist, root – is proportioned perfectly, creating a seamless, smooth surface.
• ▸ Flawless lid fit The lid ribs align exactly with the body ribs, closing tightly with no gaps – a hallmark of masterful ribbed ware.
• ▸ Lobed spout and handle The spout and handle are also shaped as petals, harmonizing with the overall design.
• ▸ Zhuni performance Fired to a brilliant vermilion red, Zhuni clay locks in heat instantly, ideal for yancha, oolong, and dancong – each brew releases layered fragrance.
• ▸ Literati honorific mark The base inscription references Chen Jiru (Pinwai Jushi), the late Ming scholar who inspired Shi Dabin to create smaller teapots. The date “Yiyou Chongjiu” (a cyclical year, ninth day of ninth month) adds antique authenticity. This is a respectful tribute to the Dabin legacy.