World of Pots: Forms of Yixing Pottery Pt 2

Purple clay wares of Yixing belong to unglazed ceramics where aesthetic effects are achieved by the inherent form and structure of the vessels. Through a long period of development, Yixing potters have successfully created a wide variety of distinctive forms, the design of which embody many aesthetic concepts. The forms are basically derived from nature, geometric shapes, natural objects and bronze artifacts.

Geometric forms refer to those vessels which are of basic geometric shapes, embellished with naturalistically modelled appendages (spout, handle, cover and knob) or ornamented with simple naturalistic or geometric motifs. This category of decorated ware retains its essentially geometric character when viewed from above or from the side.

There are many designs of teapots modelled on geometric shapes. Some characteristic shapes include square, round, triangular, globular, oblong, trapezium and hexagonal. Teapots of theses designs give people a sense of harmony and regularity, a sense of perfection where the outlines of the pot blend in perfect harmony.

The globular shaped teapot had won an award in international expo held in Panama in the past. The square teapots provide ample space for artists and poets to leave behind their works of art when their works are engraved on the teapots. Trapezium shaped teapot resembles an ancient bell while round shaped pot is especially pleasing to the eyes.

Nature endows decorated Yixing ware with an incomparably rich repertoire of forms. In addition, decorated ware has had in its service a steady procession of fine potters from the very beginning of its history, potters who not only raised technical standards but also made many outstanding stylistic contributions. Given such a splendid tradition, it would be possible for decorated ware to maintain its unique position in the general context of Yixing ware and to sustain its long standing trend of development and innovation.