Chapter 5
独妙
Unique Excellence
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of 659
Page 242

English Translation

The "Square Bell Water Leveler" takes the square bell as its form. The base is wide, flat, and stable, while the body of the pot gradually expands from top to bottom, creating the effect of an open bell mouth—upright and dignified. The bridge-shaped knob is hollow, its form echoing the shape of the pot body. The spout and handle have quadrilateral cross-sections. The three-curved spout extends and bends with measured grace, stretching out generously, echoing the flying handle and adding dynamic movement to the overall form. The entire piece is plain, pure, elegant, and fully displays its spirited character and refined bearing. The "Square Bell Water Leveler" has lines that curve within straightness, movement within stillness—extremely difficult to master in terms of craftsmanship. In 1981, when the Zisha Craft Factory established a special skills class, Gu Jingzhou was responsible for cultivating outstanding zisha talent. During this period, he personally guided Pan Chiping in making square pots. Pan Chiping recalled the experience of studying under Gu Jingzhou: "Master Gu's requirements were very strict. I learned to make the square bell pot, and the spout alone was revised five times."[1] --- [1] Huang Yijia, ed., *Tang Ren Craft: Zisha Pottery*, Taipei: Tang Ren Craft Publishing House, January 1992 edition, p. 147.