Ming Lu (188 ml) Ben Shan Lv Ni Yixing Teapot with Carving

Crafted in Dingshu Town, Yixing, this 188 ml teapot features the elegant Ming Lu (明炉) shape — a design inspired by the Xuande incense burner (宣德炉). Characterized by its broad, gently flattened body and rounded, full belly, the Ming Lu form conveys a sense of stability, balance, and grounded beauty.

It combines visual softness with practical functionality: a low center of gravity, excellent heat retention, and a wide interior that allows tea leaves to unfurl fully. This harmonious blend of aesthetics and performance has made the Ming Lu shape a consistently popular choice among collectors and daily brewers alike.

The teapot is made from Ben Shan Lv Ni (本山绿泥), a classic yellow-green Yixing clay known for its fine sandy texture, lively breathability, and beautiful golden hue after firing. The piece is twice fired at 1180 °C, giving the clay stability, warm coloration, and excellent brewing characteristics for oolong, hongcha, aged sheng, and lighter shou puerh.

Carving Details

Top Carving: Lotus Flower

The lid features a delicately engraved lotus, symbolizing purity and serenity. The subtle carving complements the natural speckles of Ben Shan Lv Ni, giving the lid a refined yet understated elegance.

Side Carving: 

Around the pot’s rounded body is the opening couplet from 李清照 Li Qingzhao’s celebrated poem 《如梦令·昨夜雨疏风骤》:

“昨夜雨疏风骤，浓睡不消残酒。”
“Last night the rains were sparse and the winds were sudden; even deep sleep could not dispel the lingering traces of wine.”

The flowing inscription echoes the pot’s curves, giving the piece a contemplative, lyrical atmosphere and anchoring it in the rich tradition of classical Chinese aesthetics.