A Blanc De Chine Dragons And Prunus Teapot - China 17th Kangxi Period

An unrecorded Blanc de Chine teapot with moulded decoration of dragons and prunus blossom.
China 17th
Dehua, Fujian
Kangxi Period (1661-1722)

Height : 9cm

This hexagonal teapot is decorated in relief with prunus blossoms within textured panels. The handle and spout are shaped like bamboo stalks. The glaze has a particularly creamy hue.

While no identical example appears to be recorded, certain comparable elements can be found in known pieces. The teapot appears to have been made in two parts, using a construction technique similar to that of hexagonal Dehua boxes.

A comparable box with a moulded chilong design is illustrated in Blanc de Chine: The Great Porcelain of Dehua, Robert H. Blumenfield, 2002, p. 30, fig. A. It shares structural features with the present teapot, particularly in the lid design.

A small teapot with a similar bamboo-shaped handle, dated 1680–1720, isin the British Museum (inv. no. 1980,0728.345).

Provenance :
- Private European collection


Line in the glaze, and some hairlines in the glaze. Some chips at the end of the spout. Two chips at the opening of the teapot. The handle have been broken in several part and restored, but not an invisible restoration. Also some chips inside the cover have been restored.

More informations and photos on request.