DESCRIPTION
The exact term "人物汉瓦" is not a widely established teapot form name in standard catalogues, so the identification is somewhat ambiguous. Literally it reads “figure / person (人物) + Han tile (汉瓦),” which suggests a teapot that combines human-figure decoration with a shape inspired by Han-dynasty roof tiles or a “tile” motif.
Historically, Chinese teapot design often borrows architectural and archaeological motifs (including Han roof-tile ends) and pairs them with figural carving or applied sculptural elements. From the late Ming into the Qing and in later Yixing (zisha) traditions, potters frequently modeled vessels on ancient archaeological forms and added literati or narrative figural decoration. Such pieces reflect a taste for antiquity, storytelling, and tactile, sculptural workmanship.
Shape note: a “Han-tile” inspired teapot is typically compact and low, with planar or slightly arched surfaces reminiscent of tile geometry, a flat or slightly domed lid, and applied or carved human figures as a focal decoration. In zisha or other stoneware clays the result is a warm, textured object with a stable, low center of gravity well suited to gongfu-style brewing.
Wood-fired handmade Yixing teapot made from Duanni clay sourced from the original Huanglongshan mine. Xu Shun Wei.
