Straits Chinese Nonyaware Teapot
Straits Chinese Mustard-Brown Ground Teapot
China for the Straits Market
circa 1870 (Tongzhi Mark)
length: 17.5cm, height: 11cm
This small teapot is of flattened, globular form. It has a short spout, a circular loop handle, and a domed lid with a solid, round finial. It is decorated with pink peonies and green leaves against an unusual mustard-brown background. A very similar teapot is illustrated in Ho (1983, p. 75).
The base has a red reign mark for the Tongzhi Emperor (1862-1875).
Most such porcelain commissioned from southern China kilns by the Straits Chinese (
Babas and Nonyas) of the Straits Settlements of Singapore, Malacca and Penang and made to Straits Chinese tastes, was commissioned for use in elaborate and lengthy wedding rituals. The porcelain was functional and utilitarian.
It is not clear whether such teapots were used for general tea drink or were used by the bride to serve tea to her in-laws as part of the Straits Chinese wedding ceremony.
The example here is free of cracks, chips, or repairs. It has come from a Chinese family that had its origins in Malaysia and Singapore.
References
Ho, W.M., Straits Chinese Porcelain: A Collector’s Guide, Times Books International, 1983.
Kee, M.Y.,
Straits Chinese Porcelain, Kee Ming Yuet Sdn Bhd, 2004.
Kee, M.Y.,
Peranakan Chinese Porcelain: Vibrant Festive Ware of the Straits Chinese, Tuttle Publishing, 2009.Provenance:
private collection, UK
Inventory no.: 3392
SOLD
