Bian Fu (扁腹) - Yixing Teapot - Wanbao (萬寶) marked - China - Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)

Late Qing Yixing Bian-Fu (flat belly) teapot, marked 'Wanbao' (萬寶).
China, late Qing dynasty

A finely made Yixing Bian-Fu (flat-belly) teapot, executed in a classic form with a well-proportioned spout and handle. The body is crafted from zisha (紫砂) clay using the tiaosha (调砂) process, a traditional blending of shengsha (生砂, 'raw sand/clay') and shousha (熟砂, 'cooked sand/clay') that produces a subtle, granular texture with lighter speckling from the fired grains.

The base bears an impressed Wanbao (萬寶) seal.

The Wanbao (萬寶 / 万宝) mark is mostly found on Yixing teapots dating from the late Qing to early Republic period. It is generally understood to represent a workshop or retail mark, rather than the signature of an individual potter. Examples on the mark often appear on high-quality zisha wares.

See a Wanbao marked pair at Poly Auction.
This is a URL linking to a product detail page on polypm.com.cn, an auction website.

Dimensions: H 5.5 x W 11.5 cm (spout to handle) x D 7.5 cm
Capacity: 90-100 ml

Condition: Excellent! No damage; a fine patina from use only.

Checked with strong UV light for defects.

Shipping method: The item is securely packed and shipped with insurance without stand.