Zisha Clay Teapot with Dragon Motif
This is a traditional Chinese Zisha teapot, commonly known as Yixing clayware, characterized by its deep matte brown finish and globular body. The teapot is crafted from unglazed purple clay, prized for its porous nature which absorbs tea oils over time to enhance flavor. The vessel features a squat, rounded form with a short, slightly tapered spout and a simple C-shaped handle. A notable artistic element is the dragon-head sculptural detail on the lid, which acts as a finial, and a subtle incised dragon design wrapping around the side of the belly. The lid fits snugly into the rim, showcasing precise hand-tooling. The exterior exhibits a smooth, well-handled patina with no immediately visible chips or cracks, suggesting it has been cared for. The style is representative of 20th-century artisanal tea ware from the Jiangsu province. Its construction reflects traditional slab-building and hand-finishing techniques, common in high-quality functional teaware meant for Gongfu tea ceremonies.
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Estimated Value
$450 - $700
Basic Information
Category
Antique & Vintage Ceramics
Appraised On
February 1, 2026
Estimated Value
$450 - $700
Item Description
This is a traditional Chinese Zisha teapot, commonly known as Yixing clayware, characterized by its deep matte brown finish and globular body. The teapot is crafted from unglazed purple clay, prized for its porous nature which absorbs tea oils over time to enhance flavor. The vessel features a squat, rounded form with a short, slightly tapered spout and a simple C-shaped handle. A notable artistic element is the dragon-head sculptural detail on the lid, which acts as a finial, and a subtle incised dragon design wrapping around the side of the belly. The lid fits snugly into the rim, showcasing precise hand-tooling. The exterior exhibits a smooth, well-handled patina with no immediately visible chips or cracks, suggesting it has been cared for. The style is representative of 20th-century artisanal tea ware from the Jiangsu province. Its construction reflects traditional slab-building and hand-finishing techniques, common in high-quality functional teaware meant for Gongfu tea ceremonies.
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