397 - A PAIR OF CHINESE BLUE AND WHITE TEAPOTS WITHOUT LIDS, KANGXI PERIOD

A PAIR OF CHINESE BLUE AND WHITE TEAPOTS WITHOUT LIDS, KANGXI PERIOD A fine pair of Chinese blue-and-white porcelain teapots, each of compact, faceted form with gently rounded shoulders, short spreading foot and a tall, rectangular overhead handle. The vessels are finely painted in underglaze cobalt blue with floral sprays and auspicious decorative motifs, framed by scrolling foliage and geometric borders. The broad sides are centred by shaped cartouches enclosing flowering plants and ornamental compositions, while the surrounding surfaces are densely decorated with scrolling foliage and stylised floral patterns. Each vessel is fitted with a short, elegantly upturned spout and a raised rectangular opening at the shoulder, enclosed by a narrow key-fret border. The handles are similarly painted with discrete floral and foliate motifs, complementing the decoration of the bodies. Height: 11 cm.