TEAPOT, Gurindama, with wooden box, Qing Dynasty（1616–1911CE）

This teapot, known as "Gurindama," is crafted from purple clay (zisha) and dates back to the Qing Dynasty, having made its way to Japan during that period. The Gurindama shape was one of the most popular designs of its time, characterized by its unadorned simplicity that embodies both practicality and understated beauty. This particular teapot, inherited from a tea master, has been lovingly used over the years, resulting in a unique texture that enhances its charm.

With its compact size, this teapot is exceptionally suited for the preparation of Chinese tea, offering a delightful fit in the palm of the hand. The interior of the vessel bears the marks of the potter's craftsmanship, while the side near the handle reveals traces of the pot's assembly. These features are characteristic of teapots from that era.

Though there is a small imperfection on the underside of the lid, such flaws are not uncommon in zisha teapots of this age; rather, they evoke a sense of the many tea gatherings that have taken place. As the zisha teapot ages, it transforms the tea brewed within, making it an exceptional tool for enhancing the daily tea experience.