Teapot Shaped like a Bamboo Hat Qing dynasty (1644–1911), first half of the 19th century

Curator: At first glance, I see a rather muted earthenware teapot. The script etched into the surface adds a captivating textural layer. Editor: We are looking at "Teapot Shaped like a Bamboo Hat," created by Qu Yingshao during the Qing dynasty, likely in the first half of the 19th century. It's part of the collection here at the Art Institute of Chicago. What do you make of its form and details? Curator: The dark coloration against the subtly bumpy surface provides visual complexity. It looks almost austere, a departure from the bright porcelains one might typically associate with the era. The inscription curves around the body, dictating where your eye goes; it becomes as much a visual element as a narrative one. Editor: These Yixing teapots were highly valued objects. The inscriptions often connected the piece to the literati culture, linking it to poetry or classical prose. The teapot’s form reflects an interest in the everyday, echoing the humble shape of a farmer's hat even while acting as a canvas for sophisticated artistry. Do you feel this piece lives up to that tradition? Curator: Definitely, but let's not lose sight of the aesthetic tension between that inscription and the matte ceramic. The inscription could be viewed as breaking the form, like cracks, or, from a semiotic perspective, even becoming a performative dimension through narrative meaning embedded in the form, and how each user will connect to it. Editor: That's true; even its use must be considered a sort of political statement. Drinking tea at the time meant aligning oneself to both the rural populations of workers and peasants, as well as a specific cultured, upper-class social circle with political importance. Curator: Indeed. In conclusion, a closer look at the piece's raw, dark quality against the bright inscriptions opens the door to interpreting deeper contexts. Editor: Yes, there's a certain refined crudeness about it, something that prompts endless consideration beyond its original usage and value.