报春壶

English working translation

Gu Jingzhou's "Herald of Spring" Teapot

The entire vessel's contour lines are fresh and ethereal, with the body full and robust, its spirit naturally formed. The spout, handle, and lid knob are shaped after plum tree branches, their posture naturally arranged, vigorous and powerful. The body and lid surface are adorned with several sparse plum blossom branches, their patterns clear, vividly recreating in relief the dignified bearing of standing firm against the cold. The trumpet-shaped spout pours water smoothly and forcefully; the handle is sturdy and vigorous, comfortable to grip.

In 1990, Gu Jingzhou collaborated with Shanghai calligraphers and painters Tang Yun and Shen Juchu on the "Herald of Spring" teapot. Made from the finest purple clay, it is purple without being dull, steady and serene. The body has full shoulders and a gathered belly, upright and powerful. The branches at the spout, handle, and knob positions coil like crouching dragons, lifelike and vivid. The belly is carved with the "Three Friends of Winter"—pine, bamboo, and plum—elegant and well-proportioned. The body inscription reads "Used to draw from antiquity, to aid my literary waves," revealing a rich cultural atmosphere. On the bottom, Gu Jingzhou carved: "The body of this pot had a broken handle, which would have been a pity to discard, so after restoration I reattached the handle to repair it. Recorded by Jingzhou on a winter day in the year of Gengwu [1990]," explaining the restoration history of this teapot.

---

Calligraphy and painting by Tang Yun / Carved by Shen Juchu / Made by Gu Jingzhou

Herald of Spring Teapot