Lot 053 A LARGE HEXAGONAL PURPLE CLAY ‘FLORAL AND CALLIGRAPHY’ TEAPOT MODERN

Description

A LARGE HEXAGONAL PURPLE CLAY ‘FLORAL AND CALLIGRAPHY’ TEAPOT
MODERN
现代 紫砂如意开光加彩书法花鸟纹大壶
MEASUREMENTS
D. (belly) 27.3 cm, 10.7 in.
ESTIMATE
USD 2,000 — 3,000
(HKD 15,600 — 23,400)
DESCRIPTION
The massive teapot is masterfully potted in a hexagonal form with a lobed belly, featuring a matching hexagonal lid with a knob. The body is elegantly divided into six arched panels, each set against a vibrant blue ground. Two main panels are decorated with auspicious four-character phrases in gilded relief: “Fa Cai” (Prosperity) and “Cha Xi” (Tea Bliss). The remaining panels are meticulously embellished with the “Four Gentlemen” motifs—plum blossoms, orchids, bamboo, and chrysanthemums—applied in polychrome clays, with a bird perched amidst the bamboo. The base is impressed with a square seal mark reading “Zhou Guisheng Zhi” (Made by Zhou Guisheng).
此壶体量宏大，呈六方菱花形，束颈鼓腹，配六方如意盖。壶身腹部开光，内填蓝彩为地。其中两面以金彩浮雕书法，分别为**“发财”与“茶禧”，寓意吉祥。其余开光面分别以粉彩/泥绘工艺描绘“梅、兰、竹、菊”四君子纹饰，竹丛间见飞鸟穿梭，工艺细腻。壶底中心钤印“周桂生制”**方款。
CATALOGUE NOTE
This teapot is a notable example of modern Yixing zisha craftsmanship, characterized by its impressive scale and the sophisticated combination of clay-layering and gilding techniques. The form is a playful take on the traditional hexagonal silhouette, enriched by the “lobing” effect which adds a rhythmic flow to the profile.
The maker, Zhou Guisheng, is known for integrating traditional literati painting themes with modern decorative palettes. The contrast between the deep purple-brown clay and the vibrant blue ground, paired with the golden calligraphy, reflects a contemporary aesthetic designed for both utilitarian use and grand display. Such large-scale teapots are often intended as centerpiece decorative items for traditional tea studios or as high-end gifts.
此件紫砂壶为现代宜兴紫砂艺人周桂生所制。其器型在传统六方的基础上加以筋纹装饰，线条挺拔有力，开光构图严谨。此壶的艺术亮点在于多种装饰工艺的融合：蓝地衬托下的金彩书法热烈醒目，而花鸟泥绘则清雅细腻。这种“大壶”器形对烧制工艺要求极高。此件器物不仅承袭了紫砂文人化的传统主题（四君子纹），更融入了现代大众审美中的吉祥祈福文化，是现代宜兴紫砂器中集实用艺术与陈设审美于一体的佳作。
CONDITION REPORT
• Condition: In overall very good condition. Only minor surface wear and occasional natural firing imperfections consistent with large-scale stoneware.
• 整体品相良好。 仅见极轻微表面磨损及大件紫砂器难以避免的微小窑裂/砂眼。