Teaware

Lao Zi Ni Dezhong Yixing Teapot — Fully Handmade by Lü Panjun

US$1,400

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Lao Zi Ni Dezhong Yixing teapot by Lü Panjun, front three-quarter view

A fully handmade Dezhong Yixing teapot by Lü Panjun, crafted in Lao Zi Ni (aged purple clay). Its approximately 200 mL capacity pairs a compact form with a calm, balanced silhouette. The clay’s warm brown-purple tone and restrained detailing give the piece its character.

The Dezhong form

The Dezhong form expresses dignity through proportion and simplicity. A rounded shoulder flows into a compact body, while the straight spout and ear-shaped handle balance one another. The small, flattened knob echoes the shape of the vessel. Fine concentric lines around the lid and mouth give definition to the otherwise plain surface.

The supplied product notes associate Dezhong with integrity, modesty and restraint. Here, that cultural meaning is expressed through clear lines and an unadorned form rather than painted decoration.

Lao Zi Ni clay and craftsmanship

The supplied product information identifies the material as high-temperature Lao Zi Ni from Huanglongshan, Yixing, and the making method as fully handmade. The photographs show the clay surface and the transitions between the body, shoulder, spout and handle.

Maker seal and base inscription

The base photograph shows the impressed Panjun Zhi maker seal, meaning “made by Panjun”, alongside the incised Jingzhou Kiln — Collection inscription. The lettering and seal are shown as photographed on the piece.

About the maker: Lü Panjun

Lü Panjun is a teapot maker from Shushan, Yixing. The accompanying artist profile describes him as the third generation of a Lü family with a background in ceramic art, and notes that he received guidance from Gu Jingzhou.

His practice focuses on fully handmade teapots and the study of traditional vessel forms. The profile emphasizes clear lines, balanced proportions and precise workmanship, with attention to the expressive character of the vessel as a whole.

In this Dezhong form, the rounded shoulder, compact body and restrained lid detailing offer a clear view of those proportions. The maker portrait and biographical information are drawn from the accompanying product material.

About Jingzhou Kiln

Jingzhou Kiln is presented in the accompanying kiln introduction as a Yixing zisha kiln that studies traditional production and firing methods associated with the Ming and Qing periods. Its stated approach includes researching older clay materials and recreating historical forms and clay qualities in contemporary work.

Dimensions and capacity are approximate, as listed in the supplied product material: overall length 12.7 cm, overall height 6.8 cm and mouth diameter 5.7 cm. Maker and kiln background are summarized from the accompanying introductions.