In the fragrant Tongxinshe Teahouse, many tea lovers and purple clay teapot enthusiasts are always attracted by a teapot with unique charm - Wang Yajun's Small Antique-Inspired Ruyi. This teapot is like a treasure from the depths of time, quietly telling the charm of purple clay art and the perseverance of the craftsman.
The Craftsman Wang Yajun
Wang Yajun was born in 1987 in Yixing, Jiangsu, the holy land of purple clay. The landscape and culture of Yixing nourished his love for purple clay art. In 2007, after returning from the military, he resolutely devoted himself to the purple clay industry and learned teapot making skills from the senior arts and crafts master Hui Ping. Under the careful guidance of his master, Wang Yajun learned from the most basic techniques and practiced day after day, laying a very solid foundation. He has an extraordinary perception of the nature and materials of clay. Each type of clay seems to come to life in his hands.
In 2023, Wang Yajun was fortunate enough to become a disciple of Dong Wenwu. Since then, he has been fully engaged in the study of fully hand-made ribbed pattern teapots. He is immersed in the complex and wonderful world of ribbed pattern teapots, constantly exploring and innovating, and striving to show his unique style on the basis of tradition.
The Rare Clay: Bottom Groove Clear Clay
The Small Antique-Inspired Ruyi is made of Bottom Groove Clear clay, a very rare and highly prized material. Bottom Groove Clear clay is produced in the Huanglongshan area of Yixing, Jiangsu. The ore material appears as a purplish-brown dense block, with a bluish-green waxy skin on the surface and a purplish-brown cross-section. Its texture is fine and it contains abundant mica flakes. After firing, the teapot body has a warm luster and a simple and elegant texture.
Purple clay teapots made of Bottom Groove Clear clay have excellent air permeability, which can fully release the aroma of tea. Meanwhile, it has a wonderful effect on improving the taste of the tea soup, making it more mellow and smooth. Moreover, with the increase in the number of uses, the teapot body will become more and more glossy, presenting a unique "patina" effect, which further highlights its preciousness.
The Unique Charm of Small Antique-Inspired Ruyi
This teapot has a capacity of 180ml, a length of 12cm, and a height of 6.5cm, with just the right size. The overall shape is based on the traditional antique teapot, incorporating the element of Ruyi, which implies good luck and is full of good wishes.
The teapot body is round and full, with smooth and natural lines. The lines at the shoulder of the pot transition softly, perfectly connecting with the body and the neck of the pot. The lid of the pot is slightly raised and fits tightly with the mouth of the pot. The Ruyi knob on the lid is delicate and small, vivid and lifelike, adding a touch of agility and elegance to the whole teapot. The spout is short and thick, with a smooth and powerful water flow and a clean cut-off. The handle of the pot is in the shape of an ear, with a beautiful line and a comfortable grip, which complements the body of the pot.
In terms of production techniques, Wang Yajun has fully demonstrated his exquisite craftsmanship. Every line on the teapot body is smooth and precise, and the surface of the teapot is smooth and delicate, indicating that he has spent a lot of effort on clay patting and trimming. The traces of fully hand-made production make this teapot full of warmth and craftsmanship.
Market Value
This Small Antique-Inspired Ruyi by Wang Yajun performed excellently in the 2024 Autumn Auction of Jiangsu Xuzhen, selling for 13,200 RMB (approximately $1,850). This price is not only an affirmation of the artistic value of the work but also a high recognition of Wang Yajun's teapot-making skills by the market.
Now, Wang Yajun's Small Antique-Inspired Ruyi is quietly displayed in Tongxinshe Teahouse. It is not only an appliance for making tea but also a treasure that combines artistic value, cultural connotation, and practical function. Whether for senior purple clay teapot collectors or beginners who have just entered the world of purple clay, this teapot has an irresistible attraction. It is hoped that in Tongxinshe Teahouse, this Small Antique-Inspired Ruyi will meet more people who love life and purple clay art and jointly write its wonderful chapter.