The Chinese name 小潘壶 (xiǎo Pān hú) literally means “Small Pan teapot.” The exact attribution or canonical form is ambiguous from the name alone — it could denote a small teapot made by a potter named Pan, a workshop style associated with that surname, or a local variant called a “Pan” model. Without clear provenance or a photo, the precise lineage cannot be confirmed.
Safe historical context: names like this commonly appear in the Yixing (宜兴) zisha teapot tradition of Jiangsu province, where individual shapes are often named after makers, owners, or distinctive workshop styles. Yixing teapots evolved from the late Ming into the Qing period and became central to gongfu cha (traditional Chinese tea ceremony). Small, named forms are typical because gongfu practice favors modest-capacity vessels that concentrate aroma, promote multiple infusions, and emphasize craftsmanship.
Note on shape: a “small Pan” variant would generally be compact and well balanced—modest capacity, a snug-fitting lid, a short, efficient spout and a comfortable handle—designed for stable pouring and heat retention. Surfaces may be plain unglazed zisha clay or modestly decorated; proportions prioritize ergonomics and lid stability. If you can supply a photo or provenance, I can offer a more specific identification and closer description.
Wood-fired handmade Yixing teapot made from Duanni clay sourced from the original Huanglongshan mine. Xu Shun Wei.
