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"Soaring Flying Apsaras" Teapot — Crafted by Geng Chunfu · Designed by Geng Yunxiang

[Dunhuang Inspiration & Aesthetic Harmony]

The "Soaring Flying Apsaras" Teapot was crafted by master artisan Geng Chunfu and designed by his son, Geng Yunxiang. Inspiration for this piece stems from the flowing, floating silk sleeves of the Flying Apsaras depicted in the ancient Dunhuang Mogao Caves murals. The handle is gracefully shaped to mirror a flowing celestial ribbon floating upward, while the spout and body extend seamlessly in harmony. This design endows the Zisha vessel with dynamic artistic tension, carrying a beautiful symbolism of "free flight, high ambition, peace, and good fortune."

[Rare Early Clay Material: Coarse-Grain Lao Duanni from Huanglongshan]

This work is fully handcrafted using an early collectible store of raw Lao Duanni (aged fortified segment clay) mined from Huanglongshan in Yixing. Typical of early coarse-grained clays, it possesses a rustic texture with noticeable sand particles. Once fired, it displays a warm, golden hue mottled with subtle reddish tones, giving it a peaceful, antique feel. Its unique dual-porosity structure provides superior breathability, making it ideal for brewing Oolong, Pu-erh, and aged teas. With long-term use and nourishment, the surface will develop a rich, jade-like lustrous patina.

[Handcrafted Fluid Sculpting & Coarse-Clay Craft Difficulty]

Integrating the dynamic curves of celestial ribbons into a functional Zisha vessel using coarse-grained clay represents an exceptional craft challenge:

1. Celestial Sleeve Curvature & Balance: The transition between the handle and body requires precise tension control. The hand-beaten curves of the body must integrate seamlessly with the upward-sweeping ribbon handle, balancing visual movement with ergonomic grip stability.

2. Challenges of Early Coarse-Grain Clay: Huanglongshan early coarse Lao Duanni has high sand content and lower plasticity. During hand-scraping and line finishing, grains easily dislodge, placing extreme demands on the artisan's smoothing technique.

3. Airtight Lid Fitting & Fluid Water Flow: The lid fits tightly and smoothly with the mouth rim, while the spout offers a swift and clean pour—perfectly combining decorative artistic expression with practical tea-serving utility.