???Eight-Petal Lotus Lantern Teapot (Gong Deng Style)

• Clay: Zhu Ni (Vermilion Clay)

• Capacity: ~200ml (based on standard proportions)

• Craft: Fully Handmade

• Artist: Yang Fei (L3-2021)
  National Level 3 Certified Zisha Artist

?Design Highlights

This exceptional handmade teapot by artist Yang Fei features the elegant and highly complex “Eight-Petal Lotus” form, also known as Gong Deng (Palace Lantern). It is inspired by ancient lotus-shaped bronze mirrors and traditional Chinese palace lanterns, echoing motifs of elegance, refinement, and quiet power.

?Details & Craftsmanship

• The eight-petal lobes of the body are sculpted with precision, creating a layered relief that flows from the lid down to the belly, forming a strong yet graceful silhouette.

• The lid, foot, and body are structurally echoed, demonstrating a mastery of symmetry and tension in traditional Jin Wen Qi (ribbed form) technique.

• The palace lantern-inspired knob sits like a glowing gem — compact, dignified, and well-proportioned.

• Four symmetrical auspicious patterns on the lid subtly correspond with the motifs on the body, enhancing the classical aesthetic.

• The triple-curved spout and ear-shaped handle are both structurally sound and visually fluid, forming a natural extension of the body’s curves.

?Cultural Resonance

The lotus-petal form traces back to the Ming Dynasty, first developed by Dong Han, one of the “Four Great Masters of Early Yixing.” This version brings together three traditional motifs:

1. The Eight-Petal Lotus (from bronze mirrors) — symbolizing clarity and reflection

2. The Palace Lantern (Gong Deng) — suggesting warmth, celebration, and nobility

3. The Ribbed Form Craft (筋纹器) — a mark of advanced Zisha craftsmanship

As referenced in Dream of the Red Chamber, “One cannot see her thin face in the lotus mirror…” — this teapot is a poetic homage to both classical form and literary tradition.

?Why Collect This Teapot?

• Technically demanding ribbed construction in pure Zhu Ni

• Original fusion of form: Lotus + Lantern + Symbolic Carving

• Crafted by Level 3 Master Yang Fei (L3-2021), known for elegant precision

• Perfect for serious Gongfu brewing or refined artistic collection

ARTIST: ??
YANG Fei 杨菲, National Master of Arts and Crafts, level 3 (awarded 9 Dec 2021)?

Born in 1990 in Dingshu Town, Yixing City, she is reserved in speech but agile in action, and has been dedicated to the art of teapot making for more than ten years.

She studied under Senior Master of Arts and Crafts (level 2), Gu Shunfang, and under her mentorship, her skills have improved and her personal style has emerged. Her works are characterized by simple and concise lines, a simple and dignified shape, profound charm, and an emphasis on using changes in lines to express the beauty of the teapot.