Petite Gourd-Form Water Ewer

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 petite ceramic ewer dates to the 19th century and would have been used during tea ceremony to carefully pour hot water over tea and to rinse tea bowls. The delicate ewer is shaped with a gourd-form body, flared cylindrical neck, arched spout, and flat strap handle. A thin translucent glaze cloaks the vessel inside and out with fine crazed texture and a subtle, powdery-white finish.

Minor chip to spout.