ZISHA TEAPOT PEAR-SHAPED, HANDMADE BY ARTIST LEVEL 3, LIAN ZI, WANG LI-JUAN 王利娟（L3-2019）皱皮朱泥 矮梨 壶

壶型：梨形 (矮梨）Pear-Shaped

泥料：皱皮 小煤窑朱泥 ZHU NI

容量：180ml

The Pear-shaped Yixing Teapot stands as a classical masterpiece, deeply rooted in history. According to scholarly works such as "Illustrated Dictionary of Chinese Ancient Ceramics" edited by Mr. Feng Xianming, this teapot style, named for its resemblance to a pear, finds its origins in the Yuan Dynasty, gaining widespread popularity during the Ming Dynasty and enduring through the Qing Dynasty. This enduring design is dubbed the "pear-shaped horizontal."

The teapot's form imitates the contours of a pear, featuring a rounded and bulging body. The lid, gracefully arching to meet the vessel's body, creates a seamless unity. The knob, with its compressed lid, adds a distinctive touch, forming a cohesive and harmonious structure. The entire composition reflects the aesthetic ideals that emerged during the Ming and Qing periods.

In southern Fujian, the pear-shaped teapot became a household item, with a saying emphasizing its significance: "Without a pear-shaped teapot in hand, it's difficult to engage in discussions about tea." This speaks to the teapot's ubiquity and importance in tea culture.

Notably, Hui Mengchen's innovation in creating a small pear-shaped teapot further enhanced its appeal, and this particular design found admiration beyond Chinese borders. The teapot's journey extended to Japan, where it garnered widespread admiration. As time passed, the influence of the pear-shaped Yixing teapot reached even further, impacting the European teapot industry. Queen Anne's directive to emulate the design in her commissioned silver tea sets is a testament to the global impact and timeless elegance of the pear-shaped Yixing teapot.

This pear-shaped Yixing teapot is a masterpiece, skillfully blending aesthetic charm with functional design. The teapot's pear-shaped body not only adds imaginative depth to its fluid lines but also seamlessly integrates clever design elements. The lid, with its cut-off design, ensures a perfect fit, enhancing the teapot's overall pear-shaped silhouette with a crisp and airtight construction.

The three-curve spout imparts a touch of grace, and the rounded knob provides a comfortable grip for a secure pour. Every detail, from the sinuous lines to the ergonomic knob, highlights the teapot's thoughtful construction. In essence, this teapot harmoniously combines beauty and functionality, creating an enduring piece that transcends time and culture. Its popularity attests to its craftsmanship and timeless appeal.

梨形紫砂壶是比较经典的款型，现代的文字资料中，冯先铭先生主编的《中国古陶瓷图典》认为，“梨式壶，壶式之一，始于元代，流行于明代，因形状似梨而得名”。耿宝昌先生在《明清瓷器鉴定》一书中也说：“梨壶-因造型类似梨而得名。元代始烧造，其后历明、清两代，经久不衰。”因而梨形壶自古便有之，此款梨形壶便也觉器度非凡。

梨形紫砂壶，壶身状似梨，鼓腹，圆韵，盖拱起与器身相切，压截盖，贯气融为一体，圆钮有的脚，结构交待清晰，是乾隆之后常见的壶形，称之谓梨式水平，闽南地区更是人手一壶，有“手中无梨式，难以言茗事”之说。而惠孟臣创制的梨式小壶，流于东瀛日本，倍受珍爱。后来传入欧洲，对西方制壶业影响也颇大，著名的安尼皇后定制银质茶具时，也要求仿形于孟臣的梨形小壶。

该壶巧妙之处不仅在于壶身形如梨，赋予意义和想象，使得流畅的线条中不失爽利之感。截盖设计，整个器型浑然一体，严丝合缝，气密性良好，使壶型的梨状完整和谐，流畅自然。三弯流，嘴型古朴蜿蜒，线条优雅，出水利落。圆形端把，舒适称手，端握有力。

泥料

原矿朱泥，胎骨坚硬而沉实，色泽朱红略泛桔光，温润透明质感之佳，与清中期好的朱泥无异；大器无法烧成，小品烧成后穀皱纹隐现，颇具古代朱泥风华。

 王利娟（L3-2019 Awarded in 2019)