Yixing Teapot "Zisha" Clay Pottery Maker's Marks.
Yixing clay teapots , also called "Zisha", or Purple clay are made from Yixing clay. This traditional style of tea pot originated in China, dating back to the 15th century, and are made from clay produced near Yixing in the eastern Chinese province of Jiangsu.
Archaeological excavations reveal that as early as the Song Dynasty (10th century) potters near Yixing were using local "zisha" (literally, "purple sand/clay") to make utensils that may have functioned as teapots. According to the Ming Dynasty author Zhou Gaoqi, during the reign of the Zhengde Emperor, a monk from Jinsha Temple (Golden Sand Temple) in Yixing handcrafted a fine quality teapot from local clay. Such teapots soon became popular with the scholarly class, and the fame of Yixing teapots began to spread.
Today Yíxing teapots are actually made in nearby Dingshan, also known as Dingshu, on the west side of Lake Tai. Hundreds of teapot shops line the edges of the town's crowded streets and it is a popular tourist destination for many Chinese. While Dingshan is home to dozens of ceramics factories, Yíxing Zisha Factory Number 1, which opened in 1958, processes a large part of the clay used in the region, produces fine pottery ware, and has a large commercial showroom.
Having an interest in collecting Chinese Yixing Teapots, I decided to create this list of Yixing teapots marks since there appears to be none available elsewhere online. The list is an incomplete one, mostly since there are literally thousands of different marks spanning several centuries, and two, this list of Yixing makers marks will be a continued work in progress requiring much effort and research.
Most of the Yixing teapot maker's marks listed are of specific potters, however, a few of them are shop names. Only the basic information is provided at this time as I have just begun preparing this page, which will become a very extensive list with detailed information. Hopefully the information given will be enough for you to research your Yixing teapot further.
(Mark from 1910 dated pot)
20th Century Yixing Clay Teapot Makers Marks
Made By Tao Chun
1970s
Fang Jian Qin - 方建勤制
All images, text & translations © 2013 -2015 Lita Xú Líng Kelley. All rights reserved.
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Who is Shi Hui Fen ? Buddhas hand tea pot monkey lid .
ReplyDeleteThanks for your efforts!
ReplyDeleteI have 2 yixing teapots. Trying to identify period and maker.
ReplyDeleteTrying to identify this set, any help would be appreciated
ReplyDeletehttp://postimg.org/image/kp5xic09t/
http://postimg.org/image/w22sc4aqp/
Trying to identify this set, any help would be appreciated
ReplyDeletehttp://postimg.org/image/kp5xic09t/
http://postimg.org/image/w22sc4aqp/
I am trying to identify a Yixing teapots crop marks. I you can help respond to me at weldins2@charter.net.
ReplyDeleteRegards
I have a very unusual tea set that I know is old and am trying to identify.
ReplyDeleteHow can I send a picture to you?
“氏尹” 是不是有名的大师? 年代?
ReplyDeleteWould you happen to know what time period a tea pot made from “Shì yǐn” is from?
And, is this a master tea pot maker?
“氏尹” 是不是有名的大师? 年代?
ReplyDeleteWould you happen to know what time period a tea pot made from “Shì yǐn” is from?
And, is this a master tea pot maker?
Kindly respond to: kcaro8989@gmail.com
im trying to identify a teapot can someone email me on ellieowen2@msn.com please thanks
ReplyDeleteim trying to identify a teapot can someone email me on ellieowen2@msn.com please thanks
ReplyDeletePerhaps various traductions for 周玲芳制
ReplyDeletemade by Zhou Lingfang....Zhou Xing Fang?
http://www.dukes-auctions.com/Catalogues/sf061212/page24.html
thanks
my email jfbaeta14@yahoo.fr
ReplyDeleteHi, can you recommend a good teapot master from jiangsu. I would like to buy from the house direct instead wholesalers. Thk.
ReplyDeleteCan anyone advise me of a timeline on when the 4 character Yixing Zisha mark, 宜興紫砂 was used on the bottom of teapots? I found a few teapots without any other marks than these 4 characters and would like to know more on the subject.
ReplyDeleteThank you
I am new to this identifying as I am getting older and have rediscovered learning new worldly things. I have a small brass or bronze teapot but I have been unable to identify the makers mark. With the internet today you would assume I would be able to do such. Is it possible to get some assistance from anyone discussing on this thread? I can email a picture to anyone contact me at dawnkelsch13@gmail.com for a pix if interested thanks.
ReplyDeleteHello Lita Xuling Kelley,
ReplyDeleteI have a military green Yixing teapot (with six cups and saucers/plates). It has a cicada on on the pot lid. I was told it had been especially commissioned by the Purple Clay Teapot Museum as a limited edition (unfortunately, I cannot verify that). Everything has the mark "China Yixing". I believe that the pot has the makers mark ... again, it is unfortunate that I do not know the makers name. I am sending you the mark so that, should you think it is relevant to your identification blog, you can use it in any way you desire. Here is the link http://www.ihior.com/p/blog-page.html
If you can identify the maker please let me know - you can contact me on my blog ... if not then my email is touchdry at gmail dot com.
Bonjour Lita Xuling Kelley,
ReplyDeleteLike other persons, I cannot read my Yixing seal...
Maybe you can help me?
Thank you
and thank your for this good blog!
Hi Kelly,
ReplyDeleteI was gifted a yixing teapot about 10 years ago and told that it is valuable because of its marking. I’ve been searching for information about, but have been unable to find any.
Would you take a look if I emailed you a picture? Natality@gmail.com
Natalie
Good morning from Ireland. I've been trying to identify the maker and age of this teapot. Any help you can give would be very much appreciated. My email is briancfdunne@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteI found a teapot marked 顾明春制. My understand is that this is translated Made by Gu Mingchun. The teapot is of a monkey figure. Trying to find artist history. Anyone know? Thanks. brad@egnor.com
ReplyDeleteim trying to identify a teapot can someone email me on jlarimore23@gmail.com please thanks
ReplyDeleteI can't figure out the markings on this one. My journey so far has led me here. https://www.reddit.com/r/Ceramics/comments/hyl6l2/chinese_potteryceramic_teapot_ive_tried_to/
ReplyDeleteHelp me check " whose mark is this "
ReplyDeleteThank you all
Looking to identify this pottery. I think the mark is China Yixing which is not very specific. I was hoping you could guide me to someone or place that could help me continue my search.
ReplyDelete/Users/robynlarue/Downloads/IMG_2621.JPG
/Users/robynlarue/Downloads/IMG_2622.JPG
Trying to find what this symbol means
ReplyDeleteHello, I am trying to identify two stamps on a tea pot and the lid of the same tea pot. If someone can take a look at my images, please send me an email. hkreitchet@gmail.com Thanks! Heidi
ReplyDeleteI'd like to read what is marked on my tea pot. How can I upload its photo?
ReplyDeleteSame
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