Antique Enameled Yixing Stoneware Teapot, China (1152A-PAR) $365

Description

Yixing stoneware pottery items are among the most popular of Asian ceramics. The clay comes from an area near Yixing city and has been used to make teaware and pouring-vessels since the Ming Dynasty. When fired, the clay becomes very insulating allowing it to retain heat, and since it is naturally porous it can absorb oils released during brewing which results in the “seasoning” of the pot’s interior that improves the flavor with continual use. Chinese tea connoisseurs consider Yixing teapots the best vessel for brewing tea and use different teapots for each kind of tea. Recognized by their unique handle and spout, small-tea pots were hand crafted from unique purple and red clay for single servings which enables faster, better and more economical brewing sign. Exported to Europe  in the 17th century, where they are popular, by they the 18th century that they were routinely used in homes and artisans began to make them in a variety of shapes and sizes.  Yixing pieces are mostly unglazed but some like this are decorated with applied brightly colored enamel glaze. Unlike Western teaware, only water is used to wash a Yixing pot. This delicate teapot has a circular loop handle, short spout, flaring rim and small flat cover  The small loops below its rim indicate it may have been used to suspend oil or soy sauce rather than serve tea. Decorated with free hand-painted colored enamels, it has six raised circular panels each with fanciful and bright floral and leaf decorations on white and yellow backgrounds. We recommend using antique pieces for decorative and collecting purposes only.