I-hsing ware c. 1800

Hsu Shun-fang crafted this I-hsing ware teapot from reddish-brown stoneware. Look closely, and you’ll see it’s decorated with an intricate, incised landscape. This piece emerges from a rich history, reflecting the cultural and social traditions of Chinese tea culture, particularly the emphasis on ritual, community, and refinement. The choice of I-hsing ware is significant because it is known for enhancing the flavor of tea, integrating the materiality of the pot with the sensory experience of tea consumption. The teapot’s surface invites contemplation, reminiscent of traditional landscape paintings. The scene evokes a sense of harmony and retreat, mirroring the emotional and spiritual dimensions of the tea ceremony, inviting a pause from the everyday. Consider how this teapot, a functional object, transcends utility to become a carrier of culture, memory, and identity. It offers a quiet, reflective moment, bridging the personal and the cultural through the simple act of sharing tea.