Vintage Chinese Yixing Style Teapot Double Wall Dragon Relief Shishi Finial Hongni Clay 6"

Chinese Yixing Style Reticulated Teapot Double Wall Dragon Relief Shishi Finial Hongni Clay

A technically accomplished Chinese Yixing-style reticulated teapot in warm hongni (red clay), constructed with a double-wall body — an outer pierced shell and a solid inner vessel that holds liquid — a demanding technique that requires precise engineering at every stage of construction. The outer wall carries two registers of circular reticulated piercing at the shoulder and lower body, framing a central band of boldly modeled dragon-in-clouds relief decoration: a sinuous five-clawed dragon surges through swirling cloud scrolls in confident high relief, the scales, mane, and claws rendered with considerable detail. The domed lid repeats the reticulated piercing with additional cloud scroll relief and is topped by a recumbent shishi (foo lion) finial, modeled with open mouth and curling mane. The curved spout is fitted with a pierced ball strainer at its interior base; the loop handle is smooth and generously proportioned. The flat base bears an impressed square seal mark. The smooth undecorated inner wall and base are visible with the lid removed, showing the clean hongni clay in its unadorned state.

Dimensions: approximately 6"L × 4"H (15 × 10 cm) Weight: >1lb

Double-walled reticulated teapots represent one of the most demanding specialties in the Yixing and Chaozhou ceramic traditions — the outer pierced shell must be constructed independently and joined precisely to the inner vessel, with the decoration carved or applied before firing. The dragon and shishi combination is among the most auspicious in Chinese decorative arts, invoking imperial power and protective strength.

Condition: Excellent; no chips, cracks, or repairs noted. Lid present and fitting well. Strainer ball intact.

A showpiece of Chinese ceramic craft — the double-wall reticulated construction, bold dragon relief, and shishi finial make this an unusually ambitious and decorative example of the genre.