Literal translation: "huang nangua hu" — "yellow pumpkin teapot." The name is slightly ambiguous: "黄" may refer to a yellow glaze or yellow clay, and without more provenance or a photo it’s not possible to identify a specific kiln or period. However, the “南瓜壶” (pumpkin or gourd teapot) is a well‑known and long‑lived form in Chinese teapot making.
Brief history: The pumpkin/gourd motif has been used in Chinese ceramics and metalwork for centuries, and potters in Yixing and other centers adopted the form during the late Ming and Qing periods. Literati and tea enthusiasts favored naturalistic shapes that reference plants and fruits; the pumpkin teapot became popular for its pleasing symmetry and auspicious associations (abundance, fertility, longevity). Variants have been executed in purple clay (zisha), glazed stoneware, and porcelain across different regions and eras.
Note about the shape: The pumpkin teapot typically has a low, lobed body suggesting the segments of a pumpkin, a short straight or slightly curved spout, a round lid often topped with a stem‑like knop, and a comfortable loop handle. Its compact, balanced silhouette promotes even infusion and comfortable pouring, making it both decorative and practical.
Wood-fired handmade Yixing teapot made from Duanni clay sourced from the original Huanglongshan mine. Xu Shun Wei.
