QIANLONG SIX-CHARACTER SEAL MARK IN UNDERGLAZE BLUE AND OF THE PERIOD (1736-1795)

The body of the exterior of the teapot is finely inscribed in black enamel with the poem titled ‘Three Purity Tea’ composed by the Emperor Qianlong, followed by two iron-red seals reading Qian and Long, below the exquisitely enamelled motif of the ‘Three Purity’ on the shoulders, comprising prunus, pine and finger citron, all divided by various decorative bands including ruyi-heads, lappets, and floral motifs.

The poem can be translated as follows:
The plum blossom’s hue is not gaudy,
The Buddha’s hand exudes fragrance and purity.
Pine nuts offer a rich, sweet flavour—
These three treasures are uniquely clear and sublime.
Brewed in a pot with out-curved legs,
With snow collected in basin poured on top.
Fish-eye and crab-eye bubbles indicate temperature,
Cauldron-smoke waxes and wanes in turn.
From Yue ware flows celestial nectar;
Beneath felt tents, the heart finds tranquil joy.
The five aggregates are largely cleansed—
What is enlightenment cannot be described,
As fragrant as Buddha’s hand,
As clear as Immortal’s wine.
The parting gift of Wo Quan for feasting,
Or share Lin Bu’s rare delight.
No need to recite Zhaozhou’s famous line,
Nor mock Cai Ji’s eccentricity.
On cold nights, the dripping clepsydra is heard,
Gazing at the old moon like a suspended jade ring.
After a gentle meal, with time to spare,
Verses are tapped out, inspiration boundless.