A rare example, the diminutive compressed globular-form moulded teapot,
the whole reminiscent of a closed lotus blossom,
painted in soft underglaze blues, each side with an upright prunus spray
below a lappet centering a lotus blossom surrounded by scrolls,
the scrolls continuing into further deep lappets around the straight spout and loop handle
and extending up the collar to the rim, each lappet with a lotus blossom;
the whole resting on applied moulded scrollwork before a recessed base;
the moulded domed cover extending into a conforming floriform rim
and painted with two further lotus blossoms within a wide band of scrollwork,
and beneath a pointed knop painted as a closed lotus bud

Note :
This form of moulded scrollwork is often seen on the Yongzheng caddies (canisters)
of the early 18th century, in both famille rose and grisaille.

It is quite rare to find the applied scrollwork on a teapot base - especially in blue and white.

Condition : Overall excellent; small area of spout tip with restoration;
small chip to the applied decoration around the base; firing flaw line to the body;
cover rim with some minor fritting; one side of body with slight sag

4-3/8" High x 5-4/3" Over Handle, The Body 4" Wide

SOLD

#7208

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"THE LOTUS" :

For those unfamiliar with the symbolism of the lotus blossom :
The lotus has been used in Chinese decoration since the Han Dynasty,
and additionally throughout the Far East.
It is an emblem of the 7th month of the year (summer) and maturity.
It also symbolizes creative power and genius.
The plant itself grows in muddy waters but emerges clean –
thus is seen as a symbol of purity coming from adversity.
It is further associated with marital happiness (permanence).

 
Additionally, the lotus is frequently found in a scroll pattern,
as seen both in the lappets here, and the open scrollwork about the foot.