Wang Guoxiang's Purple Clay Queyue Teapot

Vessel shape: Queyue(Moon-Deficient) Teapot
Author: Wang Guoxiang
Material: Purple clay
Capacity: 400ml

The Queyue(Moon-Deficient) Teapot takes its inspiration from the eave-end tiles of the Han Dynasty. Its body is round and flat, resembling a crescent moon, hence the implication of "lacking the full moon" or "deficient moon". This symbolizes the philosophy of leaving room for maneuver in all undertakings and conducting oneself with modesty and prudence.
Among the eighteen styles and inscriptions of the renowned "Mansheng Hu (Mansheng Teapots)", there is a "Queyue" (Moon-Rejecting) inscription that reads:
"When the moon is full, it begins to wane. Place this by your desk as a guiding principle for yourself."

Crafted from purple clay, this teapot boasts a brownish-red hue that is neither garish nor frivolous. The clay exhibits a natural, fine granular texture and exudes an inherent "subdued yet elegant luster". Its body resembles a full moon, while the curved concave base mimics a crescent—blending rigid and soft lines to achieve a timeless, refined rhythm. Topped with a compact bridge-shaped knob, it creates a striking contrast between the solid form of the knob and the fluid outline of the body when lifted. The three-curved spout extends smoothly and gracefully, and the loop-shaped handle ensures perfect symmetry. The waist-round inlaid lid fits seamlessly into the body, forming an integrated whole. The teapot’s surface is engraved with Taihu Lake rocks and slender bamboos, making it an exquisite piece for scholarly appreciation and elegant display. Overall, its lines are precise and well-proportioned, yet never stiff or formulaic.

Inscription:
Alone, I carry the small moon from heaven;Its exotic fragrance first permeates the home of Yuchuan.
(from New-Style Compressed Tea by Li Junmin, a literatus of the late Jin to early Yuan Dynasty)