A SILVER-APPLIED BRONZE RITUAL TEAPOT
Tibet, 19th century. The tapering body supported on a flat base surmounted by a broad cylindrical neck and domed cover with bud finial, flanked by a curved spout issuing from the jaws of a horned makara and the handle in the form of a two-horned beast extending his long tongue, suspending a chain connected to the cover.
Provenance: Viennese private collection, acquired in the French antiques market.
Condition: Very good condition with minor wear, traces of use, and casting flaws.
Weight: 1,370 g
Dimensions: Height 27.5 cm
Elaborate teapots with handles in the form of dragons or lions and spouts issuing from the jaws of mythological water monsters ('makara') were found throughout the Tibetan cultural area in slightly differing styles. They were used only on special occasions such as weddings or other ceremonies, or for an important visitor.
Literature comparison:
Compare a related brass and silver teapot, 30.2 cm, Tibet, 19th century, in the Victoria and Albert Museum, accession number IM.113-1927. Compare a related brass and silver teapot with dragon handle and makara spout, 34.8 cm, Tibet, 19th century, in the Victoria and Albert Museum, accession number IM.154-1921.
Auction result comparison:
Type: Closely related
Auction: Galerie Zacke, 10 March 2023, lot 525
Price: EUR 11,700 or approx.
EUR 12,000 adjusted for inflation at the time of writing
Description: A parcel-gilt and silver-applied brass ritual teapot, Tibet, late 18th to early 19th century
Expert remark: Compare the closely related form, the body similarly left undecorated, with a beast-shape handle and spout issuing from the mouth of a makara. Note the size (31.3 cm).
Auction result comparison:
Type: Related
Auction: Galerie Zacke, 11 April 2024, lot 7
Price:
EUR 14,300
Description: A parcel-gilt and silver-applied copper ritual teapot, Tibet, 19th century
Expert remark: Compare the related form with a similar beast-shape handle and a spout issuing from a makara mouth.
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