Wood-Fired Gourd Teapot 140ml

This handcrafted wood-fired teapot, identified as a "Fulu Gourd Treasure Bottle," is a functional tea vessel with a capacity of 140ml. It is constructed from a coarse, iron-rich clay body, specifically described as "black saggger mud," which exhibits a highly textured, granular surface with visible grit and unevenness. The overall form is a squat, rounded cylinder with a wide mouth, designed for a "hand-grab" style of use. The exterior surface is predominantly a deep, matte charcoal brown, but it features a distinctive "gold luster" or metallic sheen that appears as a subtle, uneven glaze across the body, likely a result of the wood-firing process. This luster catches the light, creating highlights that contrast with the dark, rough base material.

The teapot includes a short, wide spout that flares slightly at the tip and is integrated smoothly into the body. On the opposite side, a small, arched loop handle is attached, providing a grip point. The lid is a flat, circular disc that sits recessed within the pot's rim. Its most prominent feature is a hand-sculpted knob in the shape of a double gourd, symbolizing "Fulu" (fortune and prosperity). The gourd knob has a smooth, rounded form with a small stem, contrasting with the lid's otherwise rough, pitted surface. The lid also shows faint, incised leaf-like patterns radiating from the base of the knob. The interior of the pot, visible when the lid is removed, reveals a dark, speckled surface with a slightly more uniform texture than the exterior, though still showing the coarse nature of the clay.

The craftsmanship emphasizes a rustic, "wabi-sabi" aesthetic, with intentional imperfections and a raw, unpolished finish. The thin-walled construction, noted as "thin-body fine craft," suggests a delicate balance between the rugged material and refined shaping. The base of the teapot displays concentric throwing rings, indicating it was formed on a potter's wheel. The entire piece has a tactile, earthy quality, with the wood-firing process imparting unique variations in color and texture, including occasional blue-gold speckles described as resembling "night sky diamonds." The vessel is designed to develop a patina over time with use, enhancing its visual depth and tactile warmth.