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Handmade Yixing clay "Xiaokou Changkai" (Eternal Smile 笑口常开) Teapot

€90.00

A handcrafted Yixing Zisha teapot made from Baimu Purple Eggplant Clay (百目紫茄泥). The Xiaokou Changkai shape symbolizes happiness and optimism, featuring a rounded body, elegant proportions, and traditional engraved decoration. With a capacity of approximately 300 ml, it is ideal for brewing oolong, black, pu-erh, and aged white teas. A beautiful combination of practical tea ware and traditional Chinese craftsmanship.

Material: Baimu Purple Eggplant Clay (百目紫茄泥)
Origin: Yixing, Jiangsu, China
Craftsmanship: Handmade Yixing Zisha Teapot
Capacity: Approx. 300 ml
Suitable for: Oolong Tea, Black Tea, Pu-erh Tea, Aged White Tea
Features: Traditional shape, engraved decoration, smooth pouring, excellent heat retention and aging potential.

A handcrafted Yixing Zisha teapot made from Baimu Purple Eggplant Clay (百目紫茄泥). The Xiaokou Changkai shape symbolizes happiness and optimism, featuring a rounded body, elegant proportions, and traditional engraved decoration. With a capacity of approximately 300 ml, it is ideal for brewing oolong, black, pu-erh, and aged white teas. A beautiful combination of practical tea ware and traditional Chinese craftsmanship.

Material: Baimu Purple Eggplant Clay (百目紫茄泥)
Origin: Yixing, Jiangsu, China
Craftsmanship: Handmade Yixing Zisha Teapot
Capacity: Approx. 300 ml
Suitable for: Oolong Tea, Black Tea, Pu-erh Tea, Aged White Tea
Features: Traditional shape, engraved decoration, smooth pouring, excellent heat retention and aging potential.

Clay Characteristics

Baimu Purple Eggplant Clay (百目紫茄泥) is prized for its deep, antique appearance and distinctive mineral texture. The surface exhibits subtle variations in light reflection, highlighting the natural character of traditional Yixing clay.

Rich in iron content and highly mineralized, this clay offers excellent heat retention and develops a beautiful patina over time with regular use. Due to its demanding firing requirements and sensitivity during production, well-crafted teapots made from this clay are especially valued by Yixing enthusiasts.

About the Artist

Li Luchun (李卢春) was born in Yixing, China’s renowned pottery capital, in 1966. He studied Industrial Arts at Nanjing Normal University and developed a strong foundation in calligraphy and traditional Chinese painting. In 1986, he joined the China Calligraphers Association and began systematic study of Chinese artistic traditions.

Under the guidance of Cha Yuankang, a distinguished disciple of the renowned seal-carving master Han Tianheng, Li later brought his artistic background into the field of Yixing Zisha engraving. His works are characterized by expressive calligraphic lines, refined carving techniques, and a strong literati aesthetic.

Over the years, his works have received recognition in national exhibitions and competitions and have been collected by museums and private collectors in China and abroad.

This teapot is individually handcrafted by Yixing artist Li Luchun, bearing the artist’s clearly impressed seal as a mark of authenticity and craftsmanship.

Balanced Proportions


Crafted with attention to the traditional Three-Point Alignment principle, ensuring a harmonious and well-balanced form.

Decoration

Front:

  • Hand-carved calligraphy featuring the traditional blessing “Xiaokou Changkai” (Eternal Smile).

  • Raised clay seal with the inscription “Xiaokou Changkai”.

Back:

  • Hand-painted “Eternal Smile” artwork inspired by the Laughing Buddha, symbolizing joy, generosity, and contentment.