teapot

Summary

Public: Squared baluster-shaped teapot, white salt-glazed stoneware, with fish and snake handle and spout, relief decoration of four panels of birds, and kylin finial to cover. Private: Squared baluster-shaped teapot tapering from rounded upper body to spreading squared foot, with short cylindrical neck. Handle in the form of a dolphin with incised mouth, slight spur at thumb rest and broken lower terminal, S-shaped spout in the form of open-mouthed snake. Slip-cast body decorated in relief with four tall rectangular panels within stepped vertical moulding, of different birds including two cranes and two parrots. Fine rouletted band to base of neckrim. Shallow domed circular cover rising to small squared platform with moulded Chinese kylin finial. Relief moulded decoration to cover of fluted bands and two dragons alternating with leafy sprays. Small hole pierced in cover beneath finial.