In the theatre of time, everyone is like a small actor. Some rush about in haste, others move at a gentle pace; some shine under the spotlight, while some quietly experience the alternation of cold and warmth all on their own. Even as passing guests, time fairly leads every one of us through curtain rises and curtain falls, time and again. Year after year, we bid farewell to the old and welcome the new, reflecting on the past and celebrating the years ahead.
For hundreds of years, the scholar’s desk has seldom been without a zisha teapot. As times change, some old commitments fade away, yet certain customs grow deeper with time. Time has opened a bright door for zisha teapots. Evolving from coarse‑clay tea utensils six hundred years ago to icons of modern humanistic living spaces, they unlock the root of Oriental aesthetics. It reveals that, within the maker’s own theatre of life, the teapot itself stands as the most splendid backdrop.
The Qing‑dynasty poet Nalan Xingde wrote: “Do not wake her deep spring slumber after wine; we wager over books, delighting in spilled tea fragrance.” Savouring tea, pouring forth feelings, sharing joy with teapot in hand — these have long become the most spirited and genuine elements of life. Though adult life extends far beyond teapot‑making, I still cherish simplicity, freedom and ease. Whether pursuing refined elegance or untroubled leisure, I hope everyone may encounter their true self through a teapot, and perchance meet the genuine me as well.
Today, Tongxin She Teahouse presents a collectible masterpiece for tea and teapot enthusiasts: Squirrel‑Grapes, Lu Xinjian’s tribute‑to‑classic creation, fully hand‑crafted premium Zhuni Da Hong Pao teapot, 180 ml capacity.
Speaking of this piece, Lu Xinjian shared: “There is neither past nor future. When we work with self‑abandoning devotion, what we create will sometimes gravitate toward us of its own accord. Do not overly fret over many things; they will come to you, by necessity or by chance.” This serene, insightful state of mind is embedded within every detail of this teapot.
Zhuni Da Hong Pao ranks among the most precious zisha clays. It bears extreme firing difficulty with large shrinkage, yielding very few finished pieces. This teapot features fine, dense clay. Its red tone is vibrant yet not garish, smooth as congealed fat. When rinsed with hot water, the surface glows with a soft reddish‑purple sheen. Restrained and noble in aura, it will develop a lustrous, jade‑like patina with careful long‑term seasoning.
Squirrel‑Grapes is a time‑honoured theme for zisha floral‑form wares, admired by countless masters across generations. Twining grape vines hang heavy with plump fruits, squirrels darting among them — a symbol of abundant blessings and lasting prosperity, embodying Chinese aspirations for a full and fulfilling life. Far from mass‑produced imitation, Lu Xinjian applies full‑hand sculpting and appliqué techniques. Winding vines, distinct leaf veins, plump grape berries and vivid, lively squirrels reveal consummate craftsmanship without ostentation. Spout and handle are modelled after gnarled old vines, harmonising with the body’s ornamentation. Its full, rounded shape with 180 ml volume perfectly suits gongfu tea brewing. Comfortable to hold, it pours cleanly. Excellent for rock tea, dancong and black tea, it locks in aroma and unfolds every layer of the tea liquor.
Plain‑bodied teapots impress through line and bearing; floral‑form works thrive on vitality and restraint. Free from excessive ornateness, this Squirrel‑Grapes teapot captures the exuberance of nature within a small vessel. Running your eyes over vines and squirrels while handling it, you can almost picture a courtyard scene: heavy fruit‑laden branches and playful little creatures.
A fine teapot functions both as practical tea‑ware for the tea table and an object for quiet appreciation on the desk. Amid the noisy world, heat water and brew tea, hold this pot and pour liquor into cups. In each brew and pour, set aside worldly distractions. Human and teapot mature side‑by‑side: the pot seasons with use, and the person finds calm through the pot. Within tea‑infused daily moments, we reclaim our relaxed, authentic inner self.
For collectors: master‑maker craftsmanship, rare Da Hong Pao zhuni clay, plus a classic theme grant this work triple‑fold value. For everyday tea lovers: it accompanies tea sessions through mornings and evenings, witnessing gatherings and solitary moments year after year.
May this hand‑made Squirrel‑Grapes teapot by Lu Xinjian bring you quiet joy in your teacup and abundance through every passing year.