California Asian Art Auction California Asian Art Auction
 Mar. 14, 2014  Mar. 14, 2014

 Lot # 2013 
A YIXING "WENDAN" RED CLAY TEAPOT    朱泥文旦壺


  • Dimension: W: 5 3/4 in (14.6 cm) H: 3 5/8 in (9.3 cm)
  • Estimate From: $5000
  • Estimate To: $6000

Of round conical form, the teapot’s exterior in orange-red color, the spout is short, thick, and tapering, the handle is of reversed-ear shape, the finial is of compressed bead shape, and the bottom bears incised calligraphy. The "Wendan" style teapot was created during late Ming Dynasty to early Qing Dynasty, and the shape is similar to "Xishi" style teapot, created during mid to late Qing Dynasty period. Wendan teapots look heavier and sturdier, while Xishi teapots look more elegant and slender. The two types of teapots, Wendan, Xishi, and Guifei, were the preferred teapot styles of the scholars during the Qing Dynasty period.


文旦壺創於明末清初,形如清中後期所創的西施貴妃壺相近,文旦壺重古拙,西施貴妃壺則重嬌秀。曾看過一把老壺銘:"何必鳳團誇禦茗,浣女詞前落日塵,松竹開三徑,花落鳥啼水自流。"也有謂"文旦"果之美味,江浦之橘,雲夢之柚,由此又可謂為仿生之作。文旦,西施貴妃,與清代文人間之纏綿,真致難分難解之境。此壺鼓圓腹,壺咀短而有力,蓋與壺身形製配合的恰到好處,執把則像是像下拉的耳朵,壺底鐫刻有"白雪一片去悠悠,文旦",字體蒼勁有力,揮灑自如。