Shi Dabin

CHINA, Jiangsu, Wuxi; Ming dynasty

Shi Dabin, also known as Shaoshan, was a ceramic artist from Yixing, Suzhou. Shi was well known for creating clay teapots during the rule of Emperor Chongzhen (reigned 1628–1644) of the Ming dynasty.
His teapots are classic and sturdy, and achieved standards beyond expectation. Shi originally made large teapots that were similar to the Gongchun style, but later made teapots of various shapes such as octagonal, hexagonal, monk hat shape, and dragon egg shape. Through his work, Shi had a major influence on the style of later teapots.
Originally, Shi employed calligraphers to incise his teapots, but he later used a bamboo knife and did his own incision work. His earliest teapot, incised with his name, was discovered in a Ming dynasty (1368–1644) tomb in Zhangpu, Fujian in 1987. It is currently kept at the Zhangpu Museum. A Hat-Shaped Teapot is kept in the collection at Fo Guang Shan Monastery in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.