Master Wang Guoqi: “Moon White” Ru Ware-inspired “De Zhong” Teapot

Handcrafted by the Pioneer of Ru Revival | Classic De Zhong Silhouette | Spur-Fired | 200ml

“The virtue of a classic form, encased in the lunar glow of the Northern Song.”

At ZENTAOEAST, we curate vessels that represent the highest aspirations of Chinese craftsmanship. The Moon White “De Zhong” Teapot is a profound work by Master Wang Guoqi (王国奇), widely acclaimed as the “First Person of Contemporary Ru Ware Revival.” This teapot is a cross-disciplinary masterpiece, applying the pinnacle of Song Dynasty glazes to one of the most respected silhouettes in Yixing Zisha history.

The Silhouette: The Virtue of “De Zhong” (德钟)

The “De Zhong” is a cornerstone of classical teapot design, traditionally associated with the concept of “Integrity and Balance.”

• Aesthetic Harmony: Characterized by its robust, upright body and perfectly proportioned spout and handle, the De Zhong represents the “Middle Path” (Zhōng).

• Functional Mastery: At 200ml, this teapot is exceptionally well-balanced. Its steady pour and comfortable grip make it a reliable companion for serious tea practitioners.

The Glaze: The Emperor’s “Moon White” (Yuè Bái)

The Moon White glaze is a legendary achievement of the Northern Song Official Kilns.

• Imperial Replica: Master Wang has spent a lifetime replicating the exact hue and texture found in the Taipei National Palace Museum. It is a soft, misty celadon-white—a color famously favored by the artist-emperor Song Huizong for its tranquil, jade-like depth.

• The “Oily” Luster: Unlike modern industrial porcelain, this glaze possesses a “fat,” oily luster that reflects light softly, mimicking the warmth of ancient nephrite jade.

The Craft: Five-Point Spur-Firing (Zhī Dīng)

On the base of the teapot, you will discover five tiny white marks. These are the prestigious signatures of Spur-Firing (Zhī Dīng).

• Full Glaze Ritual: Following imperial tradition, the teapot is supported by microscopic ceramic spurs during the fire. This allows Master Wang to glaze the entire vessel—including the base and the foot—ensuring that every millimeter of the teapot is encased in a seamless, protective glaze.

The Soul: A Living Surface

This teapot is designed to grow with you.

• Perpetual Crackle: The Moon White glaze is a “Living Surface.” Upon use, it will continue to develop a delicate network of Crackle (Kāi Piàn). As the tea oils nourish the glaze over years of sessions, these lines will bloom and deepen, turning your teapot into a unique record of your personal journey with tea.

The Mark: Guo Qi (国奇)

The base is hand-inscribed with the signature “国奇” (Guo Qi), the mark of Master Wang Guoqi himself. This is a seal of authenticity and a guarantee that the piece was crafted under the direct supervision of the master who brought Ru Ware back to life.

Curator’s Verdict

“The Wang Guoqi De Zhong Teapot is a rare bridge between the Yixing Zisha world and the Ru Ware tradition. The De Zhong shape provides a sense of architectural strength, while the Moon White glaze softens that strength with a lunar, ethereal beauty. I am fascinated by the five spur marks—they are a badge of honor for a full-glaze vessel. At 200ml, this is a ‘Master Teapot’ that will season beautifully, becoming a translucent map of your tea life.”

— Richard Zhang, Founding Curator