A rare Yixing chrysanthemum-molded teapot, Yongzheng-Qianlong period (1723-1795) © Christie's Image 2003

The compressed body finely molded with narrow petals radiating from the similarly molded neck and foot rim, with a short curved spout and ear-shaped handle, the low base molded as a chrysanthemum blossom, as is the flat cover which is centered by a pierced stem finial - 7¼in. (18.4cm.) across, Japanese wood box. Lot 337. Estimate $10,000 - $15,000. Price Realized $17,925 

Notes: This molded teapot is very similar to one from the collection of Yao Shiying illustrated by Liang Baiquan in Yixing Purple Clay Ware, Hong Kong, 1991, no. 22, where the author, p. 78, suggests that based on the "form, quality of clay, modelling techniques and style of carving", the teapot might be dated to the Yongzheng period, and not later than the Qianlong period. This would certainly correspond to porcelain versions which bear Yongzheng and Qianlong marks, such as the peachbloom-glazed example with Yongzheng mark in the Palace Museum Collection illustrated in Qing Dai Taoci Daquan, Taipei,, 1986, pl. 174 (top), and another, also with Yongzheng mark, sold in these rooms, 4 June 1992, lot 302. A Yongzheng-marked, blue-glazed example was also sold in these rooms, 9-10 November 1981, lot 166. A celadon-glazed example with a Qianlong mark, from the Robert Chang Collection and formerly in the J.M. Hu Collection, was sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 2 November 1999, lot 508.

Compare, also, the similar molded Yixing teapot of this design and date from the Falk Collection, sold in these rooms, 20 September 2001, lot 160. 

Christie's. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 18 September 2003, New York, Rockefeller Plaza