From Clay to Classic: Step-by-Step Making of a Fang Gu Yixing Teapot

Introduction: Why the Fang Gu Shape Endures

Yixing teapots have a history spanning several centuries, evolving in both cultural expression and craftsmanship across different eras. Still, it is widely acknowledged that Yixing pottery originated during the mid-to-late Ming dynasty (1488–1505 AD). Among the many classic forms, shapes such as Shi Piao, Fang Gu, Duo Qiu, Xi Shi, and Jing Lan remain enduring favorites.

The Fang Gu teapot was first created by Shao Daheng in the Qing dynasty. Its design drew inspiration from the shape of an ancient drum, and later generations continued to refine and reproduce it. With its flattened body, rounded belly, and elongated neck, the Fang Gu embodies a balanced beauty that grows more captivating the longer you look at it.

Today, Master Yao demonstrates the making of this timeless form. It should be clear from the video below.

Step 1: Preparing the Zisha Clay

The fame of Yixing teapots rests largely on the unique Zisha clay, found only in the mountains surrounding Dingshu Town, Yixing. This clay is both porous and highly malleable, enhancing the aroma of tea during brewing. (We will soon launch a dedicated blog series exploring the types of clay used in YANYOO’s teapots.)

For this Fang Gu, Master Yao selects authentic Zisha from Huanglong mountain, specifically the Zi Ni variety. The process begins by cutting a clay strip from a larger block, then pounding it with a wooden mallet until it forms sheets of even thickness. Clay sheets for the body, base, lid, and side wall are all prepared at this stage. Kneading and “resting” the clay is essential, ensuring stability and consistency. After pounding, the clay is smoothed with a scraper, measured with a ruler and square tool, and trimmed with a side knife into neat rectangles, which are then rolled into cylinders for later use.

Step 2: Forming the Body

With the clay sheets ready, the crucial stage of shaping the body begins. Master Yao wraps the clay into a cylinder and pats it firmly with a wooden paddle, using her hand inside as support to keep the shape balanced. Each strike gradually rounds and fills out the body, creating a natural outward tension. Viewed from the side, the curves of the Fang Gu are smooth and harmonious, full of quiet strength. At this point, the pot is still a fragile “green body,” and every touch influences its final balance.

By contrast, when making square forms (such as the Muse Teapot), the clay sheets must be joined at right angles, a process known as “inlaid body-making” (xiang shen tong), which is considerably more complex.

Step 3: Crafting the Spout and Handle

The spout and handle define both the aesthetic and functional qualities of a Yixing teapot. The spout determines the smoothness of the pour, while the handle governs balance and comfort in the hand. Master Yao crafts these components separately, then carefully attaches them while the body is still pliable.

Using a small paddle, she adjusts the angle repeatedly to ensure that the spout, handle, and body align seamlessly. The final effect is a unified whole: visually harmonious and functionally precise.

Step 4: Attaching the Lid and Fitting

The lid-fitting process is one of the most demanding tests of craftsmanship. Master Yao begins by trimming the mouth of the pot with a precision blade, ensuring that the rim is perfectly level. She then crafts a lid to match, its slightly domed surface echoing the stately, balanced character of the Fang Gu.

Using a caliper, she tests the fit: placing the lid, turning it lightly, and checking for both smooth rotation and airtight closure. This step often requires repeated adjustments until the fit is flawless. A properly finished Fang Gu lid will close with a faint “breath of air,” neither too tight nor too loose—a subtle hallmark of mastery.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Once the structure is complete, the pot undergoes final refinement. Master Yao takes a bamboo scraper or metal blade and gently glides it along the pot’s curves, removing excess clay and smoothing the seams. Working under the light, she inspects and re-polishes until the lines flow seamlessly. Even at the raw clay stage, the surface begins to reveal a soft, natural sheen, foreshadowing the beauty that will emerge after firing.

Conclusion: Practice Makes Perfect

The craft of Yixing teapot-making has been honed for centuries, with generations of artisans dedicating decades to perfecting their skills. Each has left behind classic works of both utility and art. With over forty years of experience, Master Yao embodies this tradition, demonstrating that mastery comes only through persistence and repetition. Her work, and YANYOO’s mission of “spreading beauty,” ensure that the heritage of Yixing Zisha teaware continues to thrive.

If you’d like to experience it firsthand, explore our in-stock Fang Gu Yixing Teapot , handcrafted from rare Hong Pi Long clay and decorated with exquisite embedded Zisha painting.”