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Alexandra Xu

Large Enamel-Decorated Yixing Teapot for the Vietnamese Market
China, 19th century

A striking and unusual Yixing stoneware teapot, richly decorated in polychrome enamels with a powerful five-clawed dragon soaring amongst clouds in pursuit of a flaming pearl, all reserved against a deep black ground. The dramatic composition, vibrant enamelwork, and large scale make this an especially decorative example of export Yixing ware produced for the Vietnamese market during the 19th century.

The teapot is fitted with a fixed brass overhead handle, a feature strongly associated with Yixing wares made for Southeast Asian export markets, particularly Vietnam, where such practical mounted handles were highly appreciated for daily tea preparation.

Particularly noteworthy are the multiple inscriptions and marks, forming an exceptional layered record of workshop origin, commercial identity, and later collector appreciation. The base bears a square seal in archaic seal script reading:

阳羡蜀陶
(Yangxian Shu Tao)

meaning:
“Pottery of Yangxian.”

“Yangxian” is the ancient Han dynasty name for the Yixing region and was frequently used by respected late Qing workshops as a prestigious reference to authentic local zisha clay production.

A second inscription in black flowing running script appears on the body and most likely repeats the same wording, serving as a more easily readable workshop or shop designation. An additional red annotation reads:

珍玩 (Zhenwan)
meaning “Precious collection piece” or “Treasured antique”, likely added later by a collector or dealer to designate the teapot as an object of particular appreciation and connoisseurship.

Together, these inscriptions transform the teapot into not only a functional tea vessel, but also a documented object of collecting history.

Reference:
See a similar decorated teapot sold at Rob Michiels in 2025 (EUR 780):
https://www.rm-auctions.com/nl/herfstveiling-2025/40479-a-chinese-enamelled-yixing-stoneware-dragon-teapot-qianlong-mark-18-19th-c?c=76%2C82%2C16%2C32

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+++ Bids below the reserve price will not be considered after the auction closes, please bid to buy. +++
Reserve: EUR 150

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Dimensions:
H 19.5 × W 18.5 × D 13.5 cm
1 liter

Condition:
Overall in good functional condition. The underside of the lid has several chips; the spout shows minor glaze loss and a short hairline at the opening. The enamel decoration displays extensive scratches and wear consistent with age and prolonged use. The brass handle has a small hole on each side where securing pins may originally have been present; it is unclear whether this was intentional or altered later.

Please examine the images carefully. Small imperfections and kiln-firing flaws are not always described in detail. The written condition report is indicative only; the photographs provide the definitive and binding description of the item’s condition.
Please refer to the images for the definitive and binding description of the item’s condition.

Shipping:
The item will be securely packed and shipped with insurance.

Good condition - 19.5 cm

*Vietnamese Market* - Yixing Teapot - Dragon - China - Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)

Chinese Art

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Vietnamese Market - Yixing Teapot - Dragon - China - Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)

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