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Re: Need help translating KANGXI hallmark

Posted By: Bill H
Posted Date: Oct 23, 2010 (01:16 PM)

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The mark on this pot is shown as No. 1435 in Gerald Davison's recently published 'New and Revised Handbook of Marks on Chinese Ceramics'. It is read as 'Jin Tang Fa Ji', translated as 'Mark of the Splendid Hall of Growing Prosperity', and attributed to the Qing dynasty.

In my opinion, considering its form, flat foot and the small size of its mark with respect the diameter of the base, your pot possibly is 20th century but in any event no older than late 19th century. I've seen these tall teapots with lug ears and bail handles used in restaurants and homes in Southeast Asia, where tea is the staple drink in the absence of a reliable supply of potable drinking water, especially in rural areas.

A 19th century pot of similar form and measuring 42 cm (perhaps including handle) is shown in the 1984 catalog of the K.S. Lo collection of teawares in Hong Kong's Flagstaff House Museum. It also is decorated in underglaze blue, but with a hunting scene.

As always, judgments like these based on photos are tentative at their best.

Best regards,

Bill H.

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