Bamboo Pomegranate Teapot

Tea drinking has been an integral part of Chinese culture for centuries, resulting in a wide range of social customs and material traditions. In addition to tea leaves, water, and heat, the art of drinking tea (chayi) calls for a variety of teaware and utensils - both practical and decorative.

This charming teapot dates to the late Qing dynasty and is hand-carved from a hollow length of bamboo in the shape of a ripe pomegranate. The handle is carved to resemble a thin branch, which forks to either side of the teapot bearing leaves and smaller fruits. The teapot has a squat, rounded form and a dark brown finish, reminiscent of Yixing red clay teapots. Appealing to the popular appreciation for natural forms, the underside was left unworked, revealing the natural growth patterns of the wood.