Enamelware Teapot with Twin Dragons

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 rounded teapot dates to the early 20th century and is densely decorated with opaque overglaze enamels in a palette of black, pink, creme and turquoise. The sides are decorated with two dragons soaring through the night sky towards a flaming pearl, an emblem of the sun, of the moon, of balance, and of power. Painted with thick linework, the decoration has an almost cartoonish appearance and is a charming example of a traditional motif.