Gilt Green Glazed Teapot

Tea drinking has been an integral part of Chinese culture for centuries, resulting in a wide range of social customs and material traditions. In addition to tea leaves, water, and heat, the art of drinking tea (chayi) calls for a variety of teaware and utensils - both practical and decorative.

This porcelain teapot has a simple cylindrical form and features an elegant, long spout, an inset lid, and small loops on the shoulders that once secured brass handles. Enclosed by a light green glaze, the sides of the teapot are decorated with scenes of women seated beneath a plum tree in a garden. The rest of the body is painted with gilt linework in a pattern of plum blossoms and honeycomb lattice.

From the collection of Frances and Gary Comer.