Antique Blue and White Porcelain Miniature Teapot, China (4056A-ZOK) $175

Description

Chrysanthemum and bindweed decorative motifs are often used deigns on surfaces of underglaze cobalt blue and white porcelains, were especially popular in the 1860s – 1880s during the Tongzhi period and appear on both domestic and export ceramic pieces. Since bindweed grows wrapped around pine trees, it is a symbol of the close attachments formed in the relationships of love and marriage. The chrysanthemum is a symbol of longevity and petals for it are used in healthy and life-sustaining and tea. The abstract plantain leaf design (jiao ye wen) on the bottom with curving vertical lines was frequently seen on the necks, lower borders or shoulders of porcelains in the Song and Yuan through the Ming and Qing Dynasties. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, workers carried a small teapot called a “personal teapot” to prepare tea throughout the day. As tea was expensive, they brewed the same tea leaves several times storing them in their pots and simply added hot water for tea breaks.