Vintage Yixing Zisha Teapot Dragon Beast Form 1980s China Square Circle Box

Authentic Vintage Yixing Zisha Teapot - Square Circle Brand (方圆牌) - Dragon Beast Form

This is a vintage Square Circle Brand (Fang Yuan) Yixing teapot in very good condition, complete with original factory labels and its original brocade presentation box. Crafted during the golden era of Chinese teapot exports, this sculptural red zisha clay teapot features a stylized mythical beast design, often interpreted as a qilin or dragon turtle - a striking example of export-era creativity.

Condition:

• Very good vintage condition.
• Unused with one small chip on the handle ring (see photo).

Circa: Late 1980s-early 1990s (Factory 1 export production)

Details:

• Clay: Likely Hongni (red zisha) - light sheen, consistent with 1980s-1990s export ware
• Brand: Square Circle (Fang Yuan) - Factory 1 export label pairing
• Seal: Impressed molded base seal - “Yixing Zisha Gongsi” (宜興紫砂公司)
• Labels: Original “Square Circle” red diamond export sticker + “Made in China” green oval
• Box: Original brocade gift box with toggle clasp - fabric-lined

This is not a modern reproduction - it is a genuine vintage Yixing teapot from the 1980s-1990s export era. While molded (not wheel-thrown), it was made using authentic Yixing zisha clay and intended for international markets. Pieces like this were designed for gifting, tea enjoyment, or display, and are becoming increasingly collectible as exports from this era gain recognition.

About Square Circle (Fang Yuan):

Square Circle (方圆牌) was one of the most iconic Yixing brands under the wider umbrella of Factory 1 production. Known for their distinctive red diamond labels and export-quality teapots, Fang Yuan wares were produced using traditional clays from Yixing and made to satisfy growing global interest in Chinese teaware during the 1980s and early 1990s.

Tea Tip:

Yixing zisha teapots are ideal for brewing oolong, pu-erh, or black teas. With regular use, the clay develops a natural patina that enhances both flavor and aroma - a prized trait among seasoned tea drinkers and collectors.

Be sure to check out our other Yixing teapots and vintage Chinese items - new pieces added regularly.