Xiao Ying: The Radiant Silhouette

Handcrafted Hong Pi Long Zisha Teapot | Master Jiang Tao

The Xiao Ying (Laughing Cherry) is a crown jewel among traditional round-form teapots. Its name evokes the image of a plump, ripe cherry, but its spirit is one of profound openness and vitality. At ZENTAOEAST, we offer this 280ml vessel as a testament to balanced strength—a teapot that brings a sense of joyful composure to any tea table.

A Legacy of Mastery: The Gu Jingzhou Influence

While the Xiao Ying form has ancient roots, it reached its artistic peak in the 1960s and 70s when it was re-envisioned by the legendary Grandmaster Gu Jingzhou.

The essence of the Xiao Ying is “Softness within Strength.” Every line is fluid and graceful, yet there is an underlying tension that prevents the form from appearing weak. It is a silhouette that looks effortless but requires decades of discipline to execute. Crafted by Master Jiang Tao, this teapot honors that lineage, focusing on the “True Heart” of the design: no shortcuts, no unnecessary ornamentation, only the pure pursuit of natural flow.

The Architecture of Flow

The beauty of the Xiao Ying lies in its harmonious proportions:

• The Body: A flattened sphere that is broad and full at the top, tapering elegantly to a sturdy ring foot. Its low center of gravity provides a grounded, stable presence.

• The Spout & Handle: Featuring a classic “Three-bend Spout” (Sān Wān Liú), the vessel offers a powerful, columnar pour with a sharp, decisive cutoff. The spout and the large ring handle are joined using the “An Zui / An Ba” (Hidden Join) technique—they appear to grow organically from the body, creating a seamless, unified soul.

• The Lid & Knob: The pressed-lid sits with absolute precision, its surface gently rising like a calm wave to meet the round, bead-like knob. It is an airtight sanctuary for your tea.

The Clay: Original Ore Hong Pi Long

The teapot is fashioned from Hong Pi Long (Red Dragon Skin), a precious variety of Purple Clay (Zi Ni) known for its warm, reddish undertones and exceptional breathability.

• Twice-Fired Stability: This vessel has been fired twice in a Push-plate Kiln, ensuring the clay is perfectly vitrified for long-term durability and structural integrity.

• The Patina of Time: Red Dragon Skin is beloved by collectors for its “oiliness.” With regular use, this 280ml teapot will transform, absorbing the tea’s essence until the surface develops a deep, lustrous glow that radiates human warmth.

Curator’s Verdict

“When I hold this Xiao Ying teapot, I feel the ‘豁达’ (Huo Da)—that sense of being open-minded and unburdened. It is a generous vessel. I chose this specific piece from Master Jiang Tao because of its ‘An Zui’ technique; the spout and body are so perfectly integrated that the teapot feels like a single, breathing entity. It is a classic that doesn’t shout for attention, yet it is impossible to ignore. A true lifelong companion.”

— Richard Zhang, Founding Curator