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3. Copper, Silver & Gilt Tea Pot, Tibet, 19th century Tibet 19th c. silver, silver-gilt, copper height: 23cm; length: 23cm (approx.); weight: 1.184kg |
This splendid Tibetan teapot comprises a hammered globular copper base that sits on a low, flared ring-mat foot with a short neck and domed cover connected to the base by means of a brass chain. The top of the base is decorated with a chased silver double lotus petal border. The rim of the base and the lid both are overlaid with silver. The cover has a wide chased silver leafy outer border and is surmounted by a lotus flower and lotus bud finial. The handle is in the form of an open-work dragon in silver gilt and the spout comprises a long snouted makara with the makara's head also in silver gilt. Overall, this is a very pleasing teapot of fine proportions and with an excellent patina suggesting significant age. The combination of copper, silver and silver-gilt is unusual on this type of teapot. Detail: side view |