Teapot of "powdered tea enamel", Yongzheng (1723 - 1735)

The stamp on the base indicates 雍正年製 "Made in the Yongzheng year". The teapot is made of porcelain glazed with the 茶叶末釉 "Cháyè mò yòu" technique, meaning "powdered tea glaze", because of its texture and color. In the Yongzheng and Qianlong dynasties this glaze was a palace favorite. The shape is typical of Chinese teapots with low rounded body, domed button lid, elegant appearance, and smooth smooth surface covered entirely by the glaze.

The greenish, speckled color of the powdered tea leaves is intense and is achieved by using iron ore with high temperature to obtain the result of this color for the glaze. In the Yongzheng period the imperial kilns of Jingdezhen were famous for practicing this technique. The edges have a thinner glaze and get a brownish tone.

Height (with lid): 10 cm; Overall width: 17,2 cm; Mouth diameter: 8 cm; Base diameter: 9 cm.

Weight: 463g

Provenance: European private collection.