This is a Vintage Chinese Yixing Zisha Teapot.  This lovely studio pottery teapot is hand-crafted in an irregular shape with panels depicting bamboo, bark, and plum tree blossoms - The Three Friends of Winter. The lid's handle is the branch of a blooming tree (plum?). The spout is bamboo-themed. In addition to the natural dark red clay color, the teapot sports a dark teal green and touches of cream color. The handle is also a naturalistic branch of a plum tree. It measures 3-3/4" tall X 7-3/4" wide (measurement was taken from end of spout to end of handle) X 4" deep with two marks - one on the bottom and one inside the lid.  It is in very good condition with only one flea bite on the top rim (very hard to see) and three chips on the underside of the lid (cannot be seen unless the lid is removed and examined - please see my last pictures).  Any questions, please email.  Thanks!

Zisha teapots are unique to Chinese tea culture and are an essential brewing vessel for gongfu tea (according to Wikipedia). Zisha refers to a special purple clay that comes from Yixing, Jiangshu Province, China. The clay is said to enhance the tea's flavor.

Explanation of Three Friends of Winter: Pine, Bamboo and Plum:

Because of their ability to thrive even in the harshness of winter, pine, bamboo, and plum together embody steadfastness, perseverance, and resilience. Pine and bamboo are evergreen, while plum trees blossom at the end of winter, signaling the approach of spring. Representing the ideal characteristics of a scholar-gentleman, the trio came to be known as the Three Friends of Winter. They stood as symbols of hope and sheer determination, encouraging perseverance in the face of adversity. Consequently, these three symbols of virtue became a popular theme in Chinese painting, poetry, and calligraphy throughout the ages.