In June, 2017, Gianguan Auctions saw a Zisha teapot by Gu Jingzho's open at $3,700 and soar to $19,000 before the hammer came down. The popularity of the purple clay teapots has inspired collectors to consign. Gianguan Auctions' Saturday, December 9 sale features a strong collection of Zisha teapots ranging from Ming Dynasty makers to contemporary pottery artists.

Two from Ming master Hui Meng Chen’s are perhaps the oldest of the collection. Lot 261 is compact teapot (just 2.5 inches tall) with applied mountainous landscape and inscription  It is signed  A similar pot by the Ming master is set at lot 270. The  small Zisha teapot (also 2.5 inches tall) also has a mountainous landscape. It is also ascribed and signed with one artist mark Hui Meng Chen in the mountain. Both are estimated to go off at more than $1,500.

Perhaps the most conceptual is contemporary Master of Chinese Art Wang Yinxian’s angled pot with slip moulded squirrels that appears to float on its recessed tree-trunk base This rarity is Lot 272, slightly more than 3 inches tall. Its starting bid is $500.

Among the Gu Jingzhou teapots is an unusual black basket weave pot with moulded bamboo handle and spout (Lot 285).  For the minimalists, there is the potter's round form teapot with everted mouth rim, C-shape han- dle, and short protruding spout, the slightly domed cover with a water chestnut round knob. Ascribed and signed with six ar st marks, Gu Jingzhou, Gu, Jingzhou on base, Gu and Jingzhou on inside cover, and Gu beneath loop handle. Both of these unusual offerings are set to command more than $1,500.

For the complete list of Zisha teapots and Buddhist art offerings, please visit the Gianguan Auciton catalog.  All the properties,  including Chinese Buddhist art and Chinese seals, in the Gianguan Auctions upcoming December 9 sale.

Bidding is live in the gallery at 39 W. 56th Street, 3rd Fl., New York or online.  Live previews begin Friday, December 1 and run through Friday, December 8.  Condition reports may be obtained by contacting the Gallery Director at info@gianguanauctions.com or calling 212 867-7288.