‘Dragon Handle’ - Yixing Teapot - China - Kangxi (1662-1722)

Rare Chinese Yixing Zisha Hexagonal ‘Dragon Handle’ Teapot and Cover
Qing Dynasty, Kangxi Period (1662–1722)

An exceptionally rare and finely molded Yixing zisha teapot and cover of hexagonal form, dating to the Kangxi period and produced for export to the elite European market through the Dutch East India Company (VOC).

The sharply faceted body is decorated with six deeply recessed molded panels depicting alternating male and female equestrian figures, possibly warriors or Daoist immortals, set against an elaborate geometric leiwen (“thunder-pattern”) diaper ground. The refined and highly architectural design reflects the experimental export wares produced by Yixing potters during the late 17th and early 18th century for European collectors fascinated by Chinese tea culture.

Particularly striking is the sculptural overhead bridge handle, masterfully modeled as two confronting dragon heads emerging from the shoulder of the vessel. The flat hexagonal cover is surmounted by a finely detailed seated Buddhist lion (shi), serving as the finial and reinforcing the auspicious and protective symbolism of the piece.

Reference:

The Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam (Inv. No. AK-NM-6573):
https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/nl/collectie/object/AK-NM-6573--86c11baf6a8b1f221f0068ac8922cafa

Bonhams, London (Lot 241, Nov 2023):
https://www.bonhams.com/auction/29337/lot/241/an-yixing-brown-stoneware-hexagonal-teapot-and-cover-17th18th-century-2/

Rob Michiels Auctions (Lot 19394, Mar 2020):
https://www.rm-auctions.com/en/asian-arts-march-2020/19394-a-chinese-yixing-stoneware-teapot-and-cover-kangxi?

Yixing : Teapots for Europe - Patrice Valfre | item 217 shapewise and item 202 panel decoration.

Dimensions:
H 15 × W 13.5 × D 9 cm

Condition:
The spout has been shortened. The lid has a flake-like chip to the top and a small chip to the rim. The bridge handle has two restored breaks.

Examined under strong UV light; no further restorations other than those described were detected.

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.

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