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Large Chinese dark purple-black Yixing pottery teapot with pewter handles and mounting in the form of a butterfly around the spout, a "shou" (longevity) symbol on the back, and a bat motif on each side. A square seal on the center of the base is partly covered by the pewter mounting (see enlargement 7). The interior pouring hole has a pewter cover with small holes which act as a strainer. This teapot measures about 9" in length from the handle to the spout and 6 1/4" high. Estimated to date from the early 20th century to circa 1900. It is in very good overall condition with a nice aged patina from years of use. There is some degradation of the pewter covering the lid and there is no finial (see enlargement 9). This piece is from the private collection of American expatriates who lived in Hong Kong in the 1970s and 1980s. This type of teapot is illustrated on plate 187, page 167, of "K.S. Lo Collection in the Flagstaff House Museum of Tea, Part 2," Hong Kong, 1984. The K.S. Lo teapot is attributed to 19th century.
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