A YIXING GONG CHUN STYLE TEAPOT AND COVER

of domed shape with a short spout, the handle in the form of a branch, the surface textured to resemble the bark of a ginkgo tree, the conforming cover with a button finial (2)

Zhao Jianqi family collection, 2007.

There is a crack at the mouth rim of the pot, and the cover has a minute chip to the rim of the lip. The characters 'Gong Chun' are incised on the lip of the cover which was not noted in the catalogue description.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The design of this teapot is based on one said to have been made by Gong Chun, an Yixing potter from the Zhengde period of the Ming dynasty. Gong Chun's teapot was so admired that this style, with the roughly textured surface resembling tree bark, came to be named after him. This style continued to be copied into the 19th century. A late 19th century example by Huang Yulin is illustrated in K.S. Lo, The Stonewares of Yixing from the Ming Period to the Present Day, Hong Kong, 1986, pl. 58.