Molds, Guides, and Hands

Shape guides[1] are a three-dimensional mold-like curve or plane, historically crafted from wood, ceramic, or compressed chalk, with contemporary guides often made from chalk or plaster. A Yixing artisan uses a shape guide by pressing a flattened sheet of zisha clay against the inside of the guide, matching the inner curvature or angled plane. The use of the shape guide helps achieve a symmetric and consistent angle for a teapot body, lid, or other component.