Earthenware teapot, He Xinzhou, Qing dynasty

Modelled clay of a brownish hue, with brownish undertones. It has a narrow circular base and a flaring body, widening at the foot, which is flanked by a short cylindrical mouthpiece in an upward position, and a curved handle. The perimeter is adorned with a long incised poem stating "久晴何日雨，問我我不語，請君一桮茶，柱礎看君家。赧翁". The mouth is covered by a lid of a size, surmounted by a small bulb-shaped handle, in which is arranged an orifice, designed to control the flow of the liquid when it is served. On the base is a four-character relief stamp “曼陀华馆”. It shows patina and age wear.

The piece is signed under the name "何心舟" or He Xinzhou, a renowned potter whose production was acclaimed during the Daoguang and Tongzhi periods of the Qing dynasty. Late Qing dynasty (1644-1912) or later.

Height: 4 cm; Base diameter: 10 cm; Largest width: 13 cm

Weight: 177 g

Provenance: Collection of Tommy Lam, Hong Kong, from 1980.