Teapot

Teapot

One blue and white "Fitzhugh" pattern teapot with handle and spout. The rim has a broad (inch) lozenge-patterned rim. The body is covered with floral designs on peonies chrysanthemums and cherry or plum blossoms. Below spout is a circular motif. The handle is formed of two flattened braid-like sections interwoven at two points giving it a remarkably plastic fabric-like form. Circa 1800 (according to donor). The spout is short and triangular in cross-section. Hand-painted and hand-made. Pigment of cobalt on white glazed ground. "The Chinese teapot does not seem to (be) older than the Ming Dynasty (1368- 1644 AD). Before that time tea-bowls with covers had been used. The vessels with spouts and handles were reserved in earlier times for wine and other liquids." This teapot is probably part of a vast quantity of ware made for export to Europe in the 19th century. Three of the four most important flower emblems are depicted here: the peony representing wealth and Spring; the chrysanthemum representing friendship and Autumn; and the plum blossom representing beauty and Winter.

1987.019.004