Pair of teapots. China, s. XIX.

Pair of teapots. China, XIX century.
Enameled porcelain.
With marks on bases.
Measurements: 12 X 12 X 10 cm.

This is a very interesting pair of teapots that reflects the transition of styles in Chinese ceramics from the late Qing dynasty to the twentieth century. One features a tall rounded body with small side handles on the neck, originally designed to pass a cord or metal/wicker handle. It shows a male figure in traditional dress and Chinese calligraphy. This style is typical of porcelain produced for the domestic market, where the texts often narrate poems or describe the scene depicted. The other depicts characters (riding a Qilin or mythical creature, a motif symbolizing the arrival of illustrious sons or good fortune.