Cinnabar Stone Ladle yixing clay woodfired teapot # 94883

"朱砂石瓢" most likely describes a 石瓢 (shi-piao, "stone‑ladle") teapot rendered in a vermilion/red finish (朱砂). If the exact meaning is ambiguous, it may refer either to a cinnabar-style surface decoration (朱砂, historically a red pigment) or simply to the red Yixing clay often called zhu‑ni.

Brief history: The shi‑piao is a classic Yixing teapot form from the broader Jiangsu/Yixing tradition that developed and matured during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Simple, functional shapes like the shi‑piao were favored by tea practitioners for their straightforward manufacture and excellent brewing properties; they have been continuously copied and adapted by potters ever since.

Shape note: The shi‑piao is characterized by a low, compact body with a slightly flattened globe and a short, ladle‑like spout set low on the belly. Lids sit flush and snug, and the handle typically forms a balanced loop that aligns with the spout for smooth pouring. The overall effect is utilitarian and elegant—designed for controlled, single‑serve gongfu brewing. If the piece indeed uses cinnabar decoration, authenticity and safety (modern reproductions or coatings) are worth checking.
Wood-fired handmade Yixing teapot made from Duanni clay sourced from the original Huanglongshan mine. Xu Shun Wei.