Product Description

Antique Chinese Teapot

Material: Copper, brass
Style: Chinese
Size: Height 21 cm, Width 18 cm, Diameter 10 cm
Order Number: MHSACT1

I got this in Sumatra. It probably belonged to a prosperous Chinese family.

The lid is a lotus bud with a band of lotus petals draping down from the top. The body, neck and gooseneck spout are all engraved. A naga appears to be disgorging the spout. The naga is the protector of springs, wells and rivers, hence bringing rain, and thus fertility.

On the side of the body are the mystical qilin. Qilin is pronounced ‘cheelin’. The qilin is sometimes called a unicorn in Chinese literature. It has a dragon’s head with one to three fleshy horns tipped with hair, a scaly body shaped like a deer, horse’s hooves, and a lion’s mane and tail. Qilin ate grass, never meat, moved regally and had a musical voice.

Qilin are one of the Four Mythical Creatures, along with the dragon, tortoise and phoenix, which together bring order to the universe. Qilin rule the west, facilitate autumn, time of maturity and fulfillment. Dragons reign over the east, influence spring by determining rainfall levels, The tortoise controls the north, initiates harsh winters and is a symbol of longevity, The phoenix controls the south and summer, represents happiness and warmth and appears only during times of peace.

19th – early 20th century.

Please ask for the price (or make an offer).