Duan Ni Gourd (110 ml) Yixing Teapot

This 110 ml Yixing teapot is a beautifully executed example of the biomimetic (仿生) tradition—Yixing’s long-standing style of teapots inspired by natural forms. Crafted from genuine Duan Ni (段泥) by 杨文玉 (Yang Wen Yu), it captures the organic elegance of a ripe gourd, transforming a familiar natural shape into a refined brewing vessel.

Every part of the teapot echoes the morphology of a gourd:

• Body:
  The rounded, full belly mirrors the natural curvature of a hanging gourd, giving the pot a grounded, generous presence.

• Lid & Finial:
  The lid’s sculpted finial resembles the gourd’s stem, a subtle and authentic nod to its botanical inspiration.

• Spout:
  The spout grows naturally out of the body like a budding gourd tip—organic, understated, and harmonious.

• Handle:
  The handle is the most striking feature: shaped like a twisting gourd vine with small leaves, it adds a sculptural quality while maintaining comfort and stability in the hand.

These biomorphic elements come together to form a classic Gourd (葫芦) shape, which in Chinese culture symbolizes good fortune, protection, and auspiciousness—making the teapot not only a brewer but also a meaningful art piece.