Yixing Zisha “Ancient Tree” Overhead-Handle Teapot with Inscription

Ceramic

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The Curio Cabinet Collection

Name/Title

Yixing Zisha “Ancient Tree” Overhead-Handle Teapot with Inscription

Entry/Object ID

TP0114

Description

Chinese unglazed zisha-type stoneware teapot of large globular form with naturalistically modeled overhead handle (提梁, tiliang) formed as gnarled tree branches. Contrasting dark clay is used for the branch-form handle, naturalistic spout elements and applied leaf and fruit/bud decoration to the cover. Body bearing an incised Chinese inscription and square multi-character seal-script mark impressed to the base; faint additional marks appear beneath the cover. Accompanied by a handwritten Chinese descriptive sheet referring to the vessel as an “Ancient Tree” overhead-handle form and bearing a handwritten signature and red seal. China, probably 20th century; maker and precise date presently undetermined.

Category

Chinese ceramic teapot

Made/Created

Artist

Maker presently unidentified

Time Period

20th Century

Ethnography

Cultural Region

Continent

Asia

Culture/Tribe

China, Yixing tradition/type

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Multi-character square impressed seal to base; faint subsidiary impressed marks beneath cover; incised inscription to body. Accompanied by handwritten Chinese description bearing signature and red seal.

Dimensions

Height

6-5/8 in

Width

5-7/8 in

Diameter

4-3/4 in

Weight

495 g

Material

Zisha-type stoneware, contrasting dark clay decoration

Condition

Overall Condition

Very Good

Acquisition

Acquisition Method

Purchase