双圈壶

English working translation

"Double Ring Cable"

Created during Gu Jingzhou's later years. In 1992, Gu Jingzhou crafted the "Double Ring Cable" teapot. Gu Jingzhou personally engraved inscriptions on it: on one side, the inscription reads "Fenghui, Mid-Autumn of the Renshen Year, Liu Haisu at ninety-seven years of age"; on the other side, Liu Haisu painted a branch of aged plum blossoms with the inscription "Longevity, Liu Haisu at ninety-seven years," beneath which is carved the seal "Haisu Immortal" in archaic script intaglio. "Fenghui" — hui — refers to prajna in Buddhist terminology, representing a form of wisdom or insight. This teapot fully expresses the artistic journey of these two artists in their pursuit of truth through art, representing a harmonious dialogue between two great masters.

On October 21, 1993, the 78-year-old Gu Jingzhou traveled to Taiwan as part of the delegation for the "Yixing Ceramic Art Exhibition."

Upon setting foot on the island, Gu Jingzhou was warmly received by countless teapot enthusiasts. The ten-day exhibition drew continuous streams of visitors. The "Double Ring Cable" was among the works Gu Jingzhou brought to exhibit in Taiwan.

The teapot features a fine, delicate body with a plain, smooth, straight cylindrical form. The three-curved spout is precisely sculpted, pouring smoothly without dripping. The handle is wide and substantial with a shallow foot. The lid sits flush with the shoulder, and the bridge-shaped knob is adorned with two movable rope-pattern ring ornaments, adding a sense of liveliness to the piece. The overall form is dignified and simple, grand and stately.