Covered wine pot or teapot 1662 - 1722

Editor: Here we have what the Met is calling a “Covered wine pot or teapot,” made in China during the Qing dynasty, sometime between 1662 and 1722. It’s ceramic, earthenware with blue underglaze. I love how cheerful it feels! With those little figures tucked amongst the scrolling vines. What leaps out at you when you look at it? Curator: Oh, it's completely charming, isn't it? For me, it whispers stories of tea ceremonies, shared laughter, and maybe even a little clandestine sake sipping. The cobalt blue… it’s so evocative, like a memory flickering at the edges. Imagine holding it – the warmth radiating, the delicate weight. Does it spark any daydreams for you? Editor: Totally! I can picture it being used. It makes me wonder about those figures though, they're so playful! Are they common motifs? Curator: Excellent question! While I’m not an expert on Chinese porcelain iconography, those little figures are indeed intriguing. To me, they feel like cheeky little cupids of the tea world! Perhaps symbols of good fortune or joy meant to enhance the experience. We could get lost in that rabbit hole! It reminds me of when I tried making my own pottery once... Total disaster, but I respect these artisans even more now! What are your thoughts about that vivid blue, that "cobalt fantasy?" Editor: I love the blue. The bright color is really stunning against the white, especially since it’s so detailed. I would have thought it would be overwhelming but somehow it's so light. I had no idea something like a teapot could have so much to unpack! Curator: Isn't it delightful? I think objects like this, even seemingly simple ones, are a perfect example of art's power to connect us across centuries. You never know what wonders even a simple pot can conjure. Editor: Definitely gives you a lot to consider while drinking your morning tea. Thanks so much for your insights!