This thrice-repaired Chinese porcelain globular form teapot with Japanese influenced Imari decoration, is painted with a large chrysanthemum motif in underglaze blue, overglaze iron red and gilding, surrounded by stylized scrolling foliage. The bullet shape was inspired by European silver of the same period. It measures 4-1/2″ high and 7-1/2″ wide from handle to spout and dates to around 1720.
After the teapot was dropped over 200 years ago, resulting in a broken handle and spout, it was taken to a skilled silversmith who created this unusual silver zoomorphic replacement spout, added an engraved silver collar and used metal staples to repair the handle. In my opinion, the silver additions transform a perfectly nice teapot into a unique work of art.
This nearly identical teapot shows what the original spout on mine looked like before it took a tumble.
Photo courtesy of Moorabool Antiques
Tags: Chinese, porcelain, silver, staples/rivets
This is so cool! I actually really like the silver spout. Love the bright color combo too.
Absolutely adorable! This just makes me want to buy a tea set and host a tea party with all my girlfriends.
The Office Stylist
This is so far my favorite repair! It embodies the Morris quote” let all be useful and beautiful” The added embellishment on the spout is so charming. I hope the silver smith was tipped well!