Vintage Chinese Wu Family Yixing Zisha Purple Clay Teapot Squirrel Tree Trunk For Sale

• Style & Origin: A highly sculptural vintage Chinese teapot crafted in the traditional Yixing Zisha (purple clay) style. This piece is a fantastic example of "Hua Qi" (nature-inspired) ware, meticulously molded to resemble a rustic, gnarled tree trunk.
• Design Details: The unglazed clay body is deeply textured to mimic natural tree bark and is decorated with applied three-dimensional vines, blue stylized flora, and contrasting light-clay nuts or seeds. The irregular lid represents a log cross-section and features a branch-shaped knob with a charming, sculpted reddish-brown squirrel perched on top. The handle and spout are seamlessly integrated as extending, intertwined branches.
• Maker's Marks: The underside of the teapot features a large, detailed circular seal script maker's mark impressed directly into the clay, attributed to the Wu Family. Two additional smaller oval maker's marks are stamped underneath the lid.
• Measurements: The teapot measures 6 1/2" wide from the tip of the spout to the outer edge of the handle, 3" tall to the top of the handle (2 1/4" tall to the edge of the pot), and 3" deep.

Item Condition: This teapot is in good condition, showing a few light surface marks in the pottery but no cracks or chips - see photos for a full condition assessment.