Nationally-recognized award-winning Master Potter Tang Xianwu is deeply interested in the way yixing art connects to material history and to all the craftspeople and artists that came before her. This masterful teapot is her take on the beloved gourd form, a style every potter must comment on at some point in their artistic career.

The hollow gourd was likely human’s very first vessel, one that has reverberated through time to influence pottery even today. It is also a symbol of abundance and joy that links directly to gongfu tea being at its heart a ritual of abundance.

The name of the pot “True to Life” can also read as “Lifelike” and references the way that this gourd has a powerful dynamic energy. In the curved facets of the piece, through the way light reflects, it feels like the gourd is still alive, still growing, still deeply rooted in the natural world. 

Indeed, the spectacular original deposit Qing Duan Ni clay still leaves so much room for the teapot to take on depth and warmth as it is seasoned with tea over the years, letting it continue to grow in its own special way.

Tang Xianwu has gained steady fame and accolades over the years, winning awards at every competition, so we are excited to still be able to offer her work due to a long working relationship.

The pictures speak for themselves showing off the perfect elegance of this piece, from the balance of the spout to the luster of every facet.