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Lot Essay
The form of this teapot is extremely rare. A related carved teapot, but lacking a cover, dated to the 16th century, is illustrated in Chinese Celadons and Other Related Wares in Southeast Asia, Singapore, 1979, pp. 254-55, pl. 207, no. 250. Another related teapot, also with a square-section spout, a domed cover and dated to the Ming dynasty, but with a more rounded handle, is illustrated in K. S. Lo Collection in the Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware, Part 1, Hong Kong, 1984, p. 70, no. 43.
The present teapot can also be compared to two blue and white teapots included in the exhibition at the National Palace Museum, Taipei, Empty Vessels, Replenished Minds: The Culture, Practice and Art of Tea, Taipei, 2002, one illustrated on p. 95, no. 74, and dated to the Longqing period (1567-1572), with an upright handle, rounded sides and a domed cover, and the other illustrated on p. 96, no. 75, dated to the Wanli period (1573-1619), with a humpback upright handle and a square-section spout similar to the present example.
The present teapot can also be compared to two blue and white teapots included in the exhibition at the National Palace Museum, Taipei, Empty Vessels, Replenished Minds: The Culture, Practice and Art of Tea, Taipei, 2002, one illustrated on p. 95, no. 74, and dated to the Longqing period (1567-1572), with an upright handle, rounded sides and a domed cover, and the other illustrated on p. 96, no. 75, dated to the Wanli period (1573-1619), with a humpback upright handle and a square-section spout similar to the present example.