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Alexandra Xu

Complete Gong Fu Tea Set
China, Republic period and later

A charming and complete Gong Fu tea set, consisting of a lacquered tea tray, a pair of Chaozhou Fengxi tea cups, and a Yixing teapot. The ensemble reflects the refined tea culture of southern China, where small teaware and concentrated tea preparation are central to the Gong Fu Cha tradition.

The lacquered tray is richly decorated with two water dragons emerging from swirling waves, a traditional auspicious motif symbolizing strength, protection, and the dynamic forces of nature.

The set includes a pair of Chaozhou Fengxi tea cups dating to the Republic period, appreciated for their thinly potted bodies and typical underglaze decoration.

The accompanying teapot dates from the second half of the 20th century and bears the impressed mark:

荊溪南孟臣製
(Jingxi Nan Mengchen Zhi)

translated as:
“Made by Mengchen of Jingxi.”

The inscription pays homage to the legendary Ming dynasty Yixing master Hui Mengchen (惠孟臣), whose small teapots became the archetype for Gong Fu tea preparation in Fujian and Guangdong tea culture. “Jingxi” is an historic name associated with the Yixing region.

Together, the objects form an attractive and functional tea ensemble combining antique and later elements within the classical Gong Fu tea tradition.

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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 6 × 11 cm (spout to handle) × W 6.5 cm
Capacity: approx. 100 ml

Condition:
Teapot: Excellent condition; no chips, cracks, or restoration. Filled with water for one hour and found to be watertight.
Cups: One cup has a tiny hairline >1cm, no further damage.
Tray: Minor wear en scratches, consistent with specified age. 

Please refer to the images for the definitive and binding description of the item’s condition.

Shipping method: The item is securely packed and shipped with insurance.

Excellent condition - 6 cm

Gong Fu Tea Set - Porcelain, Lacquer, Wood - China - Republic period (1912-1949)

Chinese Art

Reserve price

No reserve price

Closing date

Thursday

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31 October

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tomorrow

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30 October

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Size

S (10–40 cm)

XS (under 10 cm)

M (40–80 cm)

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Dimensions

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Object

Asian art and objects

Vase

Plate

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Asian ceramics glass and metalwork

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Country of origin

China

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Material

Porcelain

Bronze

Wood

Ceramic

Jade

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Stone

Silver

Agate

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Paper

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Condition

Good condition

Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear

Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes

Excellent condition

Good condition - used with small signs of ageing

Fair condition

Fair condition -  heavily used & with possibly minor parts missing

As new - unused

Needs restoration

Very poor - showing significant decay, loss of original texture or solidity of the material

Poor - heavily used with major cracks, damages or major parts missing

Period

Qing Dynasty (1644-1911)

1850-1900

20th century

Kangxi (1662-1722)

1700-1750

1650-1700

Qianlong (1736-1795)

1970-1980

1800-1850

1750-1800

Yongzheng (1723-1735)

1980-1990

Guangxu (1875-1908)

2000-2010

1920-1930

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Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)

1600-1650

1950-1960

Tongzhi (1862-1874)

Wanli (1573-1619)

1910-1920

Late 20th century

Subject

Religion

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Style

Antique

Antique inspired

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Signature

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Chinese Art

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Gong Fu Tea Set - Porcelain, Lacquer, Wood - China - Republic period (1912-1949)

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