DESCRIPTION
Translation and note: "朱砂石瓢" literally reads as "Zhu Sha (cinnabar) Shi‑Piao." Without an attached photo, this likely names a Shi‑Piao teapot finished or decorated in a cinnabar‑toned treatment; the exact surface (cinnabar lacquer, red slip, or naturally red zisha clay) cannot be confirmed here.
Brief history: The Shi‑Piao (石瓢) is a classic Yixing teapot form that appears in the Ming and Qing teaware traditions. Yixing potters in Jiangsu province developed many practical, object‑inspired silhouettes—each named and refined over centuries for tea performance and hand feel. Over time the Shi‑Piao became a favored shape among gongfu tea practitioners for its restrained elegance and balanced pouring. "Zhu sha" (cinnabar/red) treatments have long been used in Chinese decorative arts; when applied to teapots they emphasize form and color while recalling traditional lacquer and pigment techniques.
Shape note: The Shi‑Piao is typically a low, slightly flattened, scoop‑like body with a short, directed spout and a modest round or loop handle. The lid sits low and close to the rim, producing a compact, stable silhouette. The overall effect is utilitarian yet refined—comfortable in the hand, excellent for controlled pours and for concentrating tea aroma during gongfu sessions.
Wood-fired handmade Yixing teapot made from Duanni clay sourced from the original Huanglongshan mine. Xu Shun Wei.
