清十八世紀 宜興紫砂龍紋方壺

The form of this teapot with its tall, upright handle can also be found on famille verte teapots from the Kangxi period (1662-1722). The depiction of a dragon chasing a flaming pearl is common in Chinese art from the Tang dyasty (618-907) onwards. The dragon represents an imperial symbol of power and protection, while the pearl can be linked to the Buddihist talismatic jewel that symbolises transcendent wisdom.