Yin Xufeng‘s Duan Ni Squirrel Grape Teapot

Clay: Body: Duan clay; Decorative surface: Benshan green clay
Capacity: 720ml
Customizable: 220-250ml (Customization lead time: 40 days)
Dimensions: Width: 12.7cm; Overall length:  19cm tall, 11.5cm high
Author: Yin Xufeng

About the Author

Yin Xufeng

Senior Chinese Arts and Crafts Master

Nationally Certified "National Artisan Handcraft" (2025)

Born in 1976 in Dingshu, Yixing—hometown of Chinese purple clay art—he won the First Prize at the Yixing Handmade Pottery Competition in 2012. In the same year, he was admitted to the Advanced Training Program of the Ceramic Department, Tsinghua University, from which he graduated with flying colors.
Later, he studied under the renowned master Gu Shaopei. Drawing on the strengths of various schools of craftsmanship, he infused his own artistic philosophy into his works and established a unique style of his own.
His decorative ware pieces are characterized by exquisite delicacy and elegant refinement. Whether in terms of form, decoration, clay selection or color application, his works excel in a sense of pure grace and tranquility. Behind the vivid, picturesque shapes lies a subtle, lingering charm that leaves viewers with a sense of endless aftertaste. His works have won awards at numerous exhibitions at all levels and are collected by many museums across China.

This Squirrel and Grape Teapot falls into the category of Yixing zisha sculptural ware, a harmonious blend of plain ware (guangqi) and decorative ware (huaqi). Its surface, crafted from benshan green clay, boasts a deep dark green hue with a smooth, glossy luster reminiscent of mutton fat—exuding an air of understated elegance and gentle warmth.
The teapot features a plump, spherical body with smooth, flowing lines that embody the aesthetic of "pearl-round and jade-smooth". The flush-fitting lid merges seamlessly with the body; its surface is adorned with grapevines and clusters of fruit, while the lid knob is shaped like a coiled section of vine bearing fruit. Both the spout and handle are modeled after gnarled, twisted old grape branches—rugged and vigorous yet retaining a natural softness, creating a striking contrast between strength and grace against the rounded body.
The entire vessel is decorated with grape leaves, trailing vines and bunches of fruit using the techniques of appliqué and relief carving, paired with vividly sculpted squirrels. The distinct three-dimensional relief effect infuses this small teapot with the idyllic charm of a pastoral scene.