Teapot with Begonias

1897–1914

Seifū Yohei III 三代清風与平

(Japanese, 1851–1914)

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Culture

Japan, Meiji period (1868–1912)

Medium

Porcelain with underglaze and overglaze colors

Measurements

Diameter: 9 cm (3 9/16 in.); width with handle: 10.5 cm (4 1/8 in.)

Credit Line

Gift of James and Christine Heusinger 2022.168.a

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Location

Not on view

Did You Know?

This teapot with begonias combines underglaze blue with subtle use of yellow and white enamels.

Description

This teapot has complex surface treatment: a design of begonias in modulated underglaze blue for the leaves and stems as well as thick overglaze white with incised lines to define the petals, plus small areas of underglaze yellow at their low-relief centers. A band of underglaze blue gives further definition to the lid’s handle, and the area just above the base has a double band of blue above a row of snail-shell curls.

Unlike many other teapots, which have marks on their bases, this one has “Seifu” incised into one of its sides in relatively large characters. It is the side that would face the host if the teapot were held by the handle with the right hand, which would be the expectation.