On a hot June day in 2010, a purple clay Zisha teapot made by Gu Jingzhou in Jiangsu province was sold in China for a record $2 million. That sale started a trend. Now when the rare handmade, fired clay teapots come to auction, they attract bidders the world over.

The Gianguan Auctions sale on June 10th was no exception. Gu Jingzho's spare, reeded bamboo teapot with a mouse finial, caterpillar spout and three artists seals was expected to command four figures. Although interest had been strong during the preview, no one foresaw the fierce bidding war that ensued after the opening bid of $3,750. The lucky buyer took the high-profile (5 inches tall) pot for $19,000 USD, nearly five times the catalog estimate.  

This is the second time in as many auctions that Gianguan Auctions has seen a Gu Jingzho Zisha teapot more than quadruple its estimate.  In the March 11, 2017 sale that coincided with Asia Week, a masterful, medium profile, round pot with a ruyi band and lotus finial, all on a tripod base, started at $600. When the hammer finally came down, the winning bid was $7,000.

Gu Jingzho (1915-1996) has been honored as a "Master of Chinese Industrial Art." 

Other Zisha teapots, including a collection of Qing Dynasty works, fared well, hitting their estimate or exceeding it.

For full details on the Zisha teapots in Gianguan Auctions' June 10 sale, please visit www.gianguanauctions.com. Prices realized can be foud on www.liveauctioneers.com or www.invaluable.com.

Gianguan Auctions next scheduled auction will take place in September. Please check the website for date and to download the catalog.