Yang Pengnian: A Yixing "Hehuan" teapot. Photo courtesy California Asian Art Auction Gallery.

Of flattened ovoid form with sharply tapering shoulder, the top and bottom of teapot equally shaped, with the foot ring and the rim of same dimension as well. The teapot of charcoal color, with an one line colophon by "Man Sheng" on the top surface, and four character "Yang Pengnian" mark on the bottom. Dimensions: W: 6 1/2 in (16.5 cm) H: 2 3/4 in (7.4 cm). Estimated Price: $18,000 - $22,000

Chen Mansheng, original name Chen Hongshou (1768-1822), courtesy name Zi Gong, and many art names including Man Sheng, Lao Man, Man Shou, Man Gong, Zhongyu Xianke, and Zhongyu Daoren. He was born in Zhejiang province, Qiantang city (Hangzhou city), during Qianlong and Jiaqing Dynasty periods, and was the most famous one of the "Eight Artists of Xi Leng". He was a prolific writer, and specializes in carving. Since he was a devout Buddhist and a Yixing stoneware enthusiast, the mark "A Man Tuo Shi" became his and his descendants' signature cultural mark. Later, he worked with Master Potter Yang Pengnian and made many Yixing teapots, categorized under "Man Sheng Teapots", significantly altered the Yixing stoneware's future.

California Asian Art Auction Gallery USA. March 14, 2014. 123 S. Mission Dr. San Gabriel, CA, 91776 USA - Phone: 888-977-9588 - Email: info@californiaasianartauction.com