提梁壶 (Tíliáng Hú) literally means “lift-handle teapot.” It refers to a style of Chinese teapot where the handle is positioned above the lid, forming an arched handle (tíliáng) across the top of the vessel rather than on the side.
The earliest ancestors of the 提梁壶 appeared during the Tang dynasty, when similar vessels were primarily used as wine ewers. The form later evolved alongside China’s tea culture. The true development of the teapot occurred in the Ming dynasty, when loose-leaf tea became widely popular. From this period onward, the tiliang structure became one of the classic forms in Yixing teapot design.
What makes this design special is both its functionality and balance. The overhead handle aligns closely with the pot’s center of gravity, allowing for stable lifting and pouring. Because the handle sits above the lid, it remains farther from the hot body of the pot, making it more comfortable to hold. This structure also allows for easy pouring from above the cups and better control of the pouring angle, combining ergonomic practicality with an elegant silhouette.