A large famille verte teapot

Kangxi period, 1662–1722
China

thermoluminescence test no. P106m1
confirms this dating

height: 25.5 cm

Raised on four short bracket feet, this square sectioned teapot is unusually large. It is stepped in at the shoulder to a short neck supporting a domed cover and bud finial, below a high rectangular handle; the curved spout is of hexagonal form. The enamel decoration on the ‘biscuit’ is in tones of green, aubergine and yellow, and the four sides of the body illustrate scenes of scholars and attendants in landscape settings – against a light green wash background. The shoulder is painted with symbols of the ‘eight precious things’ (representing good fortune) – the cover with various diaper designs, and the handle and spout with a wood grain effect against an aubergine ground.