A RARE LIME-GREEN GROUND INSCRIBED FAMILLE-ROSE TEAPOT AND COVER SEAL MARK AND PERIOD OF JIAQING, DATED TO 1797

the compressed globular body with an ear-shaped handle opposite a curved spout, each side enamelled with a gilt-bordered cloud-shaped panel containing a poem inscribed in iron-red, written in praise of good tea by the Jiaqing Emperor dated to the dingsi year corresponding to 1797, reserved against a lime-green ground decorated with multi-coloured lotus flowers on a foliate scroll, the domed cover similarly decorated with lotus scrolls and surmounted by bud-shaped finial painted with a chrysanthemum, the interior and base enamelled in turquoise, inscribed on the base with a six-character mark in iron-red 

There is a restauration to the tip of the spout (approx. 2.5 cm in width), which has been retouched with overpaint. Apart from some light wear to the gilding and minor scratches to the inside of the teapot and to the edges around the body, the overall condition is quite good.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The present teapot, inscribed with a poem dated to the dingsi year (equivalent to AD 1797) praising and advising on the proper preparation of good tea, is amongst the finest and rarest enamelled vessels made for tea drinking during the Jiaqing period. This well-known poem is translated by S. W. Bushell as follows:

Finest tribute tea of the first picking
And a bright full moon prompt a line of verse.
A lively fire glows in the bamboo stove,
The water is boiling in the stone griddle,
Small bubbles rise like ears of fish or crab.
Of rare Ch'i-ch'iang tea, rolled in tiny balls,
One cup is enough to lighten the heart,
And dissipate the early winter chill.
(See S. W. Bushell, Oriental Ceramic Art, London, 1981, p. 239)

This teapot is unusual for its compressed shape and ear-form handle with no other similar example recorded. Better known are those of less compressed form with a rounded handle; for example see a vessel in the National Palace Museum, Taipei, included in the Illustrated Catalogue of Ch'ing Dynasty Porcelain in the National Palace Museum, Tokyo, 1981, pl. 103; and another sold in our London rooms, 6th December 1994, lot 212.

The poem can also be found on lobed and quatrefoil dishes with very similar enamelled border decoration on a limegreen-ground; for example see a dish sold in these rooms, 22nd November 1985, lot 422, and again, 23rd October 2005, lot 544.