Artist: Gu Yuhua (Over 40 years of full-hand Zisha teapot making, third-generation inheritor of Master Gu Jingzhou’s craftsmanship)
Engraving: Liu Ye (Member of the Nanjing Calligraphers Association, renowned ceramic engraving artist)
English Introduction
The Heart Sutra Ziye Shipiao Teapot is a masterpiece that blends spiritual philosophy, traditional aesthetics, and refined craftsmanship. Created entirely by hand by Gu Yuhua — a veteran artisan with more than four decades of experience — this teapot pays homage to the classic Yixing heritage while showcasing individual artistry. Gu Yuhua is a third-generation successor of the legendary Zisha master Gu Jingzhou, carrying forward a lineage of excellence in Yixing teapot making.
The teapot is crafted from authentic original ore Zhuni, a premium Yixing clay prized for its fine grain, rich red luster, and superb breathability. The form follows the traditional “Ziye Shipiao” shape, with smooth, clean lines and a poised structure that reflects both stability and flow.
The highlight of this piece is the full inscription of the Prajnaparamita Heart Sutra, engraved with 268 meticulously carved characters by Liu Ye — a master ceramic engraver and calligrapher. The precise and expressive brushwork embodies the spiritual essence of the sutra, turning the vessel into a medium of meditation and inner peace.
Elegant in form and profound in meaning, this teapot is both a functional teaware and a collectible work of art. It carries the legacy of Chinese craftsmanship, the soul of Buddhist thought, and the beauty of calligraphy — all within the palm of one’s hand.
