Classic shapes

Classic Yixing teapot shapes fall into four families. Learn a few names first.

Round formsXi Shi, Fanggu, Duoqiu

Angular formsSquare and faceted bodies

Nature formsBamboo, plum, pumpkin

Ribbed formsLobes like a melon

Three shapes worth knowing first

Round belly, short spout, small lid. It sits well in the hand and makes a friendly first pot.

A wide base rising to a narrow top, with a straight spout and a bridge knob. Its flat sides often carry carved poems.

The name is written 'after the old,' though many say it first meant 'like a drum.' The low, wide body gives rolled oolong room to open.

Spout, knob and handle should sit in one line.

选Lid off, stand it upside down. On many round pots, spout, rim and handle sit level.

选Look from above. Spout, knob and handle should run straight.

选Hold it full of water. The handle should balance the spout.

选Turn the lid. It should move smoothly without rocking.

Hand-picked pieces are on the way.

What are the classic Yixing teapot shapes?

Xi Shi, Shi Piao, Fanggu, Duoqiu and Shuiping are among the best known. Potters sort shapes into round, angular, nature and ribbed families.

Does teapot shape change the taste?

A little. Wide pots give leaves room and tall pots hold heat longer, people say. Clay, size and how fast it pours matter more.

What is a Xi Shi teapot?

It is a round, full-bodied Yixing pot named after Xi Shi, one of China's four legendary beauties. The soft curves are said to recall her.