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Large & Fine Copper & Silver Tea Pot
Tibet
19th century
height: 40cm, length: 38cm, weight: 2.633kg
This magnificent and unusually large copper teapot with exquisitely chased and repoussed silver mounts is from south central Tibet. The silver mounts are the
finest we have seen on a Tibetan teapot of these proportions.
The neck of the teapot is covered in silver finely worked with a variety of motifs including Tibetan Buddhistic motifs, scrolling foliage, key-fret borders and very
finely engraved stylised cloud motifs.
The spout is partly encased in finely worked silver mounts including a wide, extravagant collar that is repoussed with eight wish-fulfilling gems among finely
engraved scrolling foliage.
The thick handle in hollow, hammered copper has a double elongated lotus petal motif. This sculptural aspect marks this teapot out as a particularly special
piece.
The closely fitting lid which lifts to reveal a tinned interior is edged with a fine, silver key-fret border. It is topped with a finely worked lotus petal plaque attached
to the copper base via silver rivets. The plaque is surmounted by a finely chased silver lotus bud finial.
The lid is attached to the base by means of a thick chain of woven silver wire.
The front of the teapot is engraved with a small inscription in Tibetan script.
Tea in Tibet was an important staple in the diet. The tea was made from Chinese black tea bricks. Butter from yaks and salt were then added and churned
together to give a thick, soup-like liquid. This was drunk throughout the day by all social classes. This teapot would have come from an aristocratic family or
perhaps a wealthier monastery.
Inventory no.: 876
This Item is available - Ask about this item
Click here to see the Gallery's complete collection of Islamic and Indian ewers.
Large & Fine Copper & Silver Tea Pot
Tibet
19th century
height: 40cm, length: 38cm, weight: 2.633kg
This magnificent and unusually large copper teapot with exquisitely chased and repoussed silver mounts is from south central Tibet. The silver mounts are the
finest we have seen on a Tibetan teapot of these proportions.
The neck of the teapot is covered in silver finely worked with a variety of motifs including Tibetan Buddhistic motifs, scrolling foliage, key-fret borders and very
finely engraved stylised cloud motifs.
The spout is partly encased in finely worked silver mounts including a wide, extravagant collar that is repoussed with eight wish-fulfilling gems among finely
engraved scrolling foliage.
The thick handle in hollow, hammered copper has a double elongated lotus petal motif. This sculptural aspect marks this teapot out as a particularly special
piece.
The closely fitting lid which lifts to reveal a tinned interior is edged with a fine, silver key-fret border. It is topped with a finely worked lotus petal plaque attached
to the copper base via silver rivets. The plaque is surmounted by a finely chased silver lotus bud finial.
The lid is attached to the base by means of a thick chain of woven silver wire.
The front of the teapot is engraved with a small inscription in Tibetan script.
Tea in Tibet was an important staple in the diet. The tea was made from Chinese black tea bricks. Butter from yaks and salt were then added and churned
together to give a thick, soup-like liquid. This was drunk throughout the day by all social classes. This teapot would have come from an aristocratic family or
perhaps a wealthier monastery.
Inventory no.: 876
This Item is available - Ask about this item
Click here to see the Gallery's complete collection of Islamic and Indian ewers.
