Enamelware Teapot with Mythical Qilin

c. 1920
$880 USD
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Dimensions
W: 7.5" D: 7.0" H: 7.75"
Materials
Ceramic
Purchase Quantity
Collection #
CFC047B
Estimated Shipping
$75

Tea drinking has been an integral part of Chinese culture for centuries, resulting in a wide range of social customs and material traditions. In addition to tea leaves, water, and heat, the art of drinking tea (chayi) calls for a variety of teaware and utensils - both practical and decorative.

This round covered vessel dates to the early 20th century and would have been used as either a teapot for serving brewed tea or a ewer for dispensing boiled water during tea ceremony. The kettle is decorated with overglaze enamels in a bold palette of magenta pink, orange, and emerald green. On either side of the vessel, a cartouche encloses a mythical qilin, a gentle creature of benevolence and longevity. Riding on the qilin's back is the Goddess of Fertility, a Taoist deity who guides mothers through birth and childcare. The scene is enclosed by a pattern of flowers, trailing vines, and double happiness (囍), a symbol of marital bliss.

From the collection of Frances and Gary Comer.

This teapot has a minor chip on the spout.

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Elizabeth Krueger | Elizabeth Krueger Design

“PAGODA RED was extremely supportive in helping to pull accessory options together for the Lake Forest Showhouse. After providing them with details and our vision on how we were looking to finish our space, Laurene helped curate options that made it easy for us to edit and finalize. It's also no surprise that the unique pieces we used in our showhouse space were some of the first to sell.”

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