A Turquoise-glazed Biscuit Teapot 

清 孔雀綠釉素胎茶壺

China, Qing dynasty (1644-1911)

The teapot is elegantly moulded in the form of a lotus flower, with the globular body composed of multiple tiers of overlapping, pointed petals that rise from the base. The vessel is covered overall in a brilliant, deep turquoise glaze (often referred to as 'peacock-green' or kongquelü孔雀綠), which is applied directly to the biscuit-fired body. This technique allows for exceptional sharpness in the moulded details, such as the delicate ribbing on the petals. The glaze is further characterized by a fine, dense network of 'fish-roe' crackle throughout the surface.

The flat, inset cover is decorated with a lotus seed pod motif, featuring raised seeds, and is surmounted by a finial modelled as a curled lotus stem. A simple C-shaped handle balances the spout. Continuing the botanical theme from the top view, a series of precisely rendered lotus seeds are arranged in a well-ordered ring surrounding the rim of the teapot.

Such turquoise-glazed wares were highly prized in both the Chinese and by 18th and 19th-century European collectors for their vibrant, monochrome intensity.