Lucky number six.
六方
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liu fang
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hexagon
Six is a lucky number in China as it sounds similar to ’smooth‘, for example, it is used as a wish for a project to go smoothly. In Chinese culture, many things are grouped together in sixes, like 六艺 liuyi (‚the six arts‘), 六家 liujia (’six families‘ = six schools of philosophy), 六宫 liugong (’six palaces‘ = residence of the empress), 六合 liuhe (’six harmonies‘ = the six directions north, south, east, west, the above and the below).
The earliest found hexagonal teapot is from the year 1616, found in a burial site. It is shaped like a hexagonal prism but has uneven sides, indicating that it is difficult to maintain clean lines and an exact form.
A hexagonal pot is a compromise between a square and round teapot, bringing those two styles together in harmony. It is often combined with other teapot styles like the liufang siting teapot or the liufang duoqiu teapot to add interest.
Get yourself some ‚Teapot Shapes II‘ postcards!
LY
