A RARE PAIR OF PEWTER-MOUNTED COCONUT-SHELL TEAPOTS AND COVERS 17TH CENTURY |

each with a domed hemispherical body, deftly carved in relief to the exterior with seated scholars enjoying wine with attendants beside, all amidst a garden landscape with bamboo, pine and pierced rocks, set with a pewter loop handle opposite a curved spout, the cover similarly decorated with a pair of striding chilong centred by a finial in the form of a shou character roundel, the rims, interior and base mounted with pewter

It is rare to find a pair of coconut-shell teapots of this quality, skilfully mounted in pewter. Compare the closely related elements on the carved design on a coconut-shell incense box and cover from the Qing Court collection, and still in Beijing, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Bamboo, Wood, Ivory and Rhinoceros Horn Carvings, Hong Kong, 2001, pl. 87.