CP01
Early 20th c. Qinzhou Nixing pottery is one of China's four famous types of pottery. A Nixing pottery teapot is not only a work of art with high collectible value but also an ideal and highly practical tool for making tea. Over time, the teapot's color becomes more lustrous, and after extended use, even if no tea is added, simply pouring boiling water into the pot will release a tea aroma. Nixing pottery is made from two types of clay unique to Qinzhou. These natural, clean, and delicate clays are mixed in a specific proportion and then crafted into finished products through various manual processes. The pottery is fired without any added substances, glazes, or toxins, but it contains beneficial trace elements such as selenium, iron, zinc, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium. 4.5 in. x 6 in. x 2.25 in.
CP02
Late 19th - early 20th c. Chinese porcelain moon flask. The name 'moonflask', or “baoyueping”, meaning 'embracing the moon', is inspired by its flat-sided but full-bodied form which resembles a full moon. Typically, they were decorated with symbolic flowers, dragons or Buddhist auspicious emblems and symbols in blue and white as this one is illustrating the 8 auspicious buddhist symbols. The “moonflask” has a long history dating back to the Song and Yuan Dynasties, when ceramic flasks of a similar shape would be tied to the side of a horse saddle. This moon flask boasts a uniquely decorated garlic head shape, showcasing the sophistication of Chinese porcelain craftsmanship. Although unverifiable as authentic, it is marked on the bottom with a Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Mark on the bottom. 15 in. x 10.5 in. x 4.5 in.
CP03
Early 20th c. Chinese porcelain, "Tiliang" (提梁)”, or “Basket Handle” tea dispenser w/ 3 claw dragon motif. Tiliang teapots in the Ming style but with a shorter, stouter profile are signature products of Taiwan’s Kinmen kilns on the southern island of Kinmen (also called Quemoy). May have also been produced in Mainland China or at one of the porcelain-decorating factories in Hong Kong or Macao as there is no Kinmen mark on bottom. The reign mark on the bottom says, “Made during the Yongle Period of the Ming Dynasty”. The imperial workshops of Yongle (r. 1403–24), third emperor of the Ming dynasty, produced superb paintings, sculptures, porcelains, and other luxury objects that became the foundation for subsequent developments in the arts for the remainder of the Ming dynasty. It is most likely that this is a false mark. The body of the vessel seems to be too short and stout for this to be true. 13 in. x 8 in. x 12 in.
CP04
This mystery bottom-filling teapot, although finely crafted and possibly from late 19th to early 20th century, may possibly be an imitation of a teapot from Northern Song Dynasty (now housed as a National-Treasure Designated Collection in Shaanxi Provincial Museum in Xian, China). There is no opening at the top of the pot and the water is filled from a hole at the bottom. This form of drinking vessels probably started in India. Thorough trade contacts the form spread to become common in South East Asia and the Near East, although the basic principle seems to have been discovered all over the world. People could drink from it without touching the spout to their lips. It is also sealed so bugs and dirt cannot get it. Finely painted hand glazed calligraphy scripted Chinese characters, (Blessing text). Nicely trimmed foot rim with Qing Dynasty Kangxi reign mark on bottom. Further investigation is required to accurately date this piece. 7.5 in. x 9.5 in. x 5 in.
CP06
Likely 20th C. Unusual milky white glazed stoneware flask with multitudinous iron red stamped archaic seals and reign marks on all four sides and neck. Iron red stamped Qing Jiaqing (1796-1820) period mark on bottom but likely false as the piece seems to be more recently made. Red glazed dragon handles. Foot rim looks sort of rough and possibly purposefully distressed to create the illusion of age. Beautifully playful none the less. May be older that thought. Acquired in Hong Kong in the early 1980’s 9.5 in. x 7.5 in. x 5 in.
CP07
20th c. Highly decorated blue and white glazed porcelain. The Three Immortals, otherwise known as Fu, Lu, and Shou. The “Three Immortals” (仙) in particular are Li Tieguai (李鐵拐), Lu Dongbin (呂洞賓) and He Xiangu (何仙姑), they are important members of the much larger group of “Eight Immortals” (八仙), a source of inspiration and devotion for Taoists. These three gods, which represent good fortune, wealth and material fortune, and longevity, respectively, have been worshipped in China since the Ming Dynasty. 10 in. x 3.5 in. x 2.75 in. (each)
Fu is the personification of good fortune. He is generally depicted in scholar's dress, holding a scroll, on which is sometimes written the character "Fu". He may also be seen holding a child, or surrounded by children. The Lu star is believed to be Zhang Xian who lived during the Later Shu dynasty. The word lu specifically refers to the salary of a government official. As such, the Lu star is the star of prosperity, rank, and influence. The Lu star was also worshipped separately from the other two as the deity dictating one's success in the Imperial Examinations, and therefore success in the imperial bureaucracy. The Shou star is the star of the South Pole in Chinese astronomy, and is believed to control the life spans of mortals. According to legend, he was carried in his mother's womb for ten years before being born, and was already an old man when delivered. He is recognized by his high, domed forehead and the peach which he carries as a symbol of immortality. The God of Longevity is usually shown smiling and friendly, and he may sometimes be carrying a gourd filled with Elixir of Life. Traditionally, they are arranged right to left with Fu is to the right of the viewer, Lu is in the middle, and Shou on the far left.