Chinese Yixing Zisha Terracotta Tea Pot. In turtle-lion form with turtle finial. This appears to be a dark-colored, sculpted teapot designed in the form of a mythical creature, likely a dragon-headed tortoise or a similar chimera. It features a textured, scaled body, a curved handle, and a separate lid with a small finial, suggesting it is a decorative piece, possibly made of pottery or wood.

Size: 3 x 6 1/2 x 4 in.

Yixing teapots are traditional Chinese teapots made from a distinctive purple clay (zisha) found near Yixing in Jiangsu province. Celebrated for their unglazed, porous surfaces, these teapots are prized by tea connoisseurs for enhancing the flavor and aroma of brewed tea, as the clay absorbs and subtly seasons each infusion over time. Crafted by skilled artisans, Yixing teapots come in a wide range of forms—from simple, utilitarian designs to elaborately sculpted works featuring calligraphy, relief decoration, or natural motifs—reflecting centuries of Chinese ceramic artistry. Valued for both their functional and aesthetic qualities, they are collected worldwide as symbols of refinement, craftsmanship, and the deep cultural tradition of tea appreciation.

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