Fine utensils can be passed down through generations. A silver teapot, for instance, is one such piece that endures through time, carrying stories and memories.
Lu Yu, the sage of tea, once wrote in The Classic of Tea: "Porcelain and stoneware are both elegant, but they lack durability. Silver, on the other hand, is extremely pure, though it may seem lavish. Elegant indeed, and pure indeed – yet for lasting use, one ultimately returns to silver." In essence, while porcelain and stoneware are graceful, they cannot match the sturdiness of silver. Brewing or boiling water in a silver teapot softens the water to a silk-like texture; moreover, the release of silver ions keeps tea fresh for longer without spoiling.
Today, Tongxinshe Teahouse is proud to present a masterpiece: the 9999 pure silver "Taotie Pattern Beast-Mouth Silver Teapot," handcrafted by Hong Jike of Hong's Collection – a treasure of inherited craftsmanship.
About Hong's Collection and Hong Jike: Guardians of Centuries-Old Craft
Hong's Collection, based in Heqing, Yunnan, traces its origins back to the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty (late 19th century). With five generations of heritage, it remains committed to traditional silverware craftsmanship. As the fourth-generation heir, Master Hong Jike is a master of various hand-forging techniques. Born in 1971, of the Bai ethnic group, he is recognized as a representative inheritor of Heqing's silver forging技艺, an intangible cultural heritage listed in Heqing County's ninth batch of protected items.
The Taotie Pattern Beast-Mouth Silver Teapot: Cultural Codes in纹饰
The allure of this silver teapot lies not only in its material and craftsmanship but also in the cultural depth of its design:
• Specifications:
◦ Dimensions: D17xH17cm
◦ Capacity: 1000ml
◦ Weight: 550g
◦ Material: 999.9 pure silver
◦ Craftsmanship: Fully handcrafted
• The Significance of Taotie Patterns:
The Taotie motif dates back to ancient times, evolving from the nickname of the Jinyun clan into a symbol of power. Its imposing, mythic design, often cast on ancient bronze vessels, was believed to possess spiritual properties – embodying both sacred protection and the solemnity and authority of ritual. Adorning this silver teapot, the Taotie pattern infuses it with timeless grandeur and cultural legacy.
A fine silver teapot is more than a tool for brewing tea; it is a work of art to be cherished and a heirloom to be passed down. The Taotie Pattern Beast-Mouth Silver Teapot from Hong's Collection, presented by Tongxinshe Teahouse, unites pure material, exquisite craftsmanship, and profound culture – waiting to be appreciated by those who value heritage and beauty.