Enamelware Teapot with Goddess of Fertility

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 round covered vessel dates to the early 20th century and would have been used as either a teapot for serving brewed tea or a ewer for dispensing boiled water during tea ceremony. Encircling the vessel is a procession of children wielding musical instruments and banners, announcing the arrival of the Goddess of Fertility. A Taoist deity who guides mothers through birth and childcare, she rides upon a mythical qilin and carries a young child and a lotus blossom. Decorated with overglaze enamels in a palette of bright pinks and greens, this ceramic kettle brings joyous color to its surroundings.