Minglu Dark Green Yixing Zisha Teapot by Zhu Qianbing

The Minglu begins low and close to the tea table. Its rounded body and raised rim recall the compressed balance of a Xuande-style incense burner, translated here into a 160 ml Yixing teapot that sits easily within one hand.

Zhu Qianbing carved lotus and mandarin fish across one side. In Chinese decorative language, lotus and fish are read together as a wish for abundance year after year, a motif well suited to a vessel returned to throughout the day. On the reverse, the phrase "Hou De Zai Wu," translated here as "Great virtue sustains all things," gives the auspicious scene a quieter moral center.

The dark green body is made from Minguo Luni, the named Zisha formulation used for this contemporary teapot. Its subdued color lets the carving emerge slowly rather than read as applied ornament.

The upright handle, short spout and compact capacity keep the pot controlled at the gongfu table. Zhu Qianbing's seals appear on the body, lid, handle and base; the exact arrangement may vary between pieces.

• Origin: Yixing, Jiangsu, China
• Material: Dark green Yixing Zisha clay known as Minguo Luni
• Maker and carving: Zhu Qianbing
• Form: Minglu teapot
• Motifs: Lotus, mandarin fish and calligraphy
• Firing: Above 1100掳C / 2012掳F
• Capacity: Approx. 160 ml / 5.4 oz
• Length: 13.5 cm / 5.3 in
• Height: 6.3 cm / 2.5 in
• Mouth diameter: 6.1 cm / 2.4 in
• Maker marks: Zhu Qianbing seals; placement may vary
• Set includes: One teapot, tea towel, maker documentation and presentation box