Yellow Tea Pots

This lovely teapot, adorned with the pattern “The Jade Rabbit Looks at the Moon,” is a beautiful piece that combines traditional Chinese artistry with exquisite craftsmanship.

Design and Appearance:

• Pattern: The teapot features an elegant design with the motif “The Jade Rabbit Looks at the Moon.” This pattern depicts two white rabbits gazing up at a full moon, surrounded by delicate bamboo leaves, creating a serene and poetic scene.
• Color: The teapot is covered with a bright yellow glaze, featuring rich and vibrant colors. The use of famille rose technique brings the entire overglaze painting to life, making it vivid and full of charm.

Craftsmanship and Techniques:

• Yellow Glaze: The use of yellow glaze is a special technique in Chinese porcelain art. It involves applying a yellow pigment over the ceramic body before firing it in the kiln. This process gives the teapot its striking and vibrant yellow color.
• Famille Rose: Famille rose, or “fencai” in Chinese, is a type of enamel decoration on porcelain. This technique uses a palette of soft and delicate colors, which are painted over the glaze and then fired at a lower temperature. The famille rose technique is evident in the detailed depiction of the rabbits, the moon, and the bamboo leaves, which are finely painted with soft and harmonious colors.

Symbolism and Cultural Significance:

The meaning of “The Jade Rabbit Looks at the Moon” primarily expresses deep longing for loved ones. This meaning originates from an ancient mythological story where the jade rabbit requests to reside in the Moon Palace to accompany Chang’e, thus creating the image of the jade rabbit looking at the moon. This story not only showcases the jade rabbit’s kindness and care for family but also reflects the ancients’ emphasis on family and kinship. In traditional Chinese culture, “The Jade Rabbit Looks at the Moon” is not only a symbol of the Mid-Autumn Festival but also an important cultural element for expressing longing and the desire for reunion.

This teapot is a fine example of traditional Chinese porcelain artistry, combining the vibrant yellow glaze with the delicate and intricate famille rose painting. The “Jade Rabbit Looks at the Moon” motif adds a touch of cultural richness and poetic beauty, making it not only a functional piece for brewing tea but also a beautiful decorative item that can be cherished and admired.