Delicate, colorful, hand potted, and hand painted Chinese porcelain teapot that fits nicely in its own basket. The teapota€?s painted design is of two ladies reading in a garden. A very serene and beautiful painting.A round cylindrical porcelain vessel with flanged mouth which fits a round lid. The lid has a hole for steam to escape and a grooved handle. There is a flat round unglazed base with the fine rings of the pottera€?s wheel showing. There are two raised porcelain loops for holding two metal handles that haven been wrapped with a green braided cotton cover. The spout has a nice curve ending in an ovoid hole. The glaze feels soft, slick, thick and has a nice visual shine. The design is painted in greens, blues, red, and lavender, with black used to accent and outline. There is poem on the back and two characters on the lid and pot shoulder. The spout, a line around the shoulder and around the handle loops are gilded.. The split bamboo basket is fitted with an insert covered with a red cloth. The insert is custom made to fit and cushion the teapot.The base of the teapot has a stamped red mark. I believe one of the characters reads a€?Made by Chena€ but I was unable to figure the other name character.MEASUREMENTS The teapot measures 5 ??a€ (13.3 cm) tall x 4 ??a€ (11.4 cm) diameter. The basket measures 9a€ (22.9 cm) diameter x 7 5/8a€ (19.4 cm) tall. Weighs 2 lb 6.1 oz (1.08 kg)CONDITION There are no breaks, chips, or cracks. The basket and insert have really protected the teapot. There is soiling to the fabric in the basket and to the braided cotton handles. The paintings are fresh and bright. There is staining by tea to the flange at the lid.A teapot that can still be used today. The artistry is delicate and expertly done. Tea time anyone?___________________To receive special offers please sign up directly from our personal website which you can find under "favorite links" on our Ruby Lane shop's home page. (Ruby Lane prohibits us from posting urls on this page).Item ID: Por-1538