Gong Deng Jing Lan: The Ribbed Lantern

Sculpted Dragon & Ribbed Zi Ni Teapot | Master Liu Huachun

The Gong Deng Jing Lan (Ceremonial Lamp Well-Curb) is a silhouette that marries the stability of an ancient well with the illuminating presence of a palace lantern. At ZENTAOEAST, we present this 250cc vessel as a masterpiece of “Ordered Rhythm”—a teapot where mathematical precision meets the untamed spirit of the dragon.

The Art of Ribbed Ware: The Geometry of Nature

This teapot belongs to the prestigious category of Jin Wen Qi (Ribbed or Fluted Ware). Inspired by the elegant segments of melons and floral calyxes, the body is divided into precise, equidistant concave and convex lines.

• Light and Shadow: The architectural “ribs” create a dramatic play of light and shadow on the dark purple clay, giving the teapot a vibrant, pulsating energy that changes as you move around it.

• Extreme Difficulty: Crafting a ribbed teapot is notoriously difficult; any slight deviation in the beating of the clay cylinder will cause the entire symmetry to collapse during firing.

Auspicious Sculpting: The Dragon’s Breath

Complementing the geometric body is the intricate Dui Hua (Clay Appliqué) and sculptural work on the spout and handle.

• The Dragon Motif: The spout and handle are hand-sculpted in the form of Dragons, the supreme symbol of power, protection, and auspiciousness in Eastern culture. The dragon’s features are added through “Piling”—a technique where layers of raw clay are built up to create a three-dimensional relief.

• Symbolism: As the tea pours from the dragon’s mouth, it symbolizes the flow of vitality and good fortune into your cup, turning every infusion into a small ceremony of blessing.

The Earth: Original Ore Zi Ni from Huanglong Mountain

Fashioned from the legendary Original Ore Zi Ni (Purple Clay) sourced from the mineral seams of Huanglong Mountain, this material provides a deep, matte-brown canvas that highlights the intricate hand-carved details.

• Breathability: The rich mineral content and double-pore structure ensure that your tea—especially aged Puerh or heavy-roast Oolong—is softened and its aromatics intensified.

• Master’s Seal: This vessel is the work of Master Liu Huachun, a National Industrial Artist and Director of the China Zisha Culture Research Association. It carries her personal seal: “Liu Huachun Zhi” (刘华纯制).

Curator’s Verdict

“This teapot is an exercise in ‘Maximalist Stillness.’ I am consistently moved by the discipline required to keep the 120 pillars of a hall standing, and I see that same discipline in the perfectly aligned ribs of this vessel. The addition of the dragon motif adds a layer of ‘Spirit’ to the ‘Structure.’ It is a protective object, a generous companion for the tea table that glows with the pride of forty years of mastery.”

— Richard Zhang, Founding Curator