ANTIQUE COPPER DRAGON TEA POT WITH TIBETAN SILVER AND BRASS MOUNTS – TIBET - 19th/20th C.

This antique tea pot originates from Tibet.

This handmade copper tea pot has a round bulbous belly. This belly has been made in upper and lower sections and then soldered together. The seam and the attendant solder are evident. The neck and shoulder decoration, the top ornaments of the lid and the two dragon mounts are made of tibetan silver which means that the silver is likely to be an alloy less than sterling standard as is typical of Himalayan silverware. The spout, handle and the edges of the lid and the neck rim are made of brass.

The body is applied with two embossed and chased silver mountings depicting dragons surrounded by curly twigs and foliate designs. The neck and shoulder of the teapot are covered with silver, finely worked with a variety of motifs including buddhist motifs (such as the pair of fishes, the parasol, the lotus flower), scrolling foliage, lotus leaves and stylised cloud motifs. The brass spout rises from the base out of a brass embossed and decorated plaque and out the head of a makara (Sanskrit word for “sea dragon” or “water-monster”). The brass curved handle displays a detailed stylized dragon. The lid is domed and decorated with lotus leaves and finished with a large lotus bud finial that is chased with petal-like detailing. The edges of the lid and the neck border are lined with a brass meander rim. The chain, which had to attach the lid to the handle, is lost.

Tea in Tibet was an important staple in the diet and drinking tea was a regular part of tibetan life. Traditionally the tea was made of water, chinese black tea leaves and yak butter. Salt were then added and churned together to give a thick soup-like liquid. This was drunk throughout the day by all social classes.

Age: 19th/20th C.

Size: 24 cm high, diameter belly about 13 cm, diameter at rim 8.5 cm, about 22 cm long (spout to handle edge).

Weight: 831 gr.

Condition: The tea pot is in good condition taking into account his high age. Several dents around lower belly. Good signs of long time use and good age patina. Look carefully to the pictures, which are an integral part of the description. Consequently any damage or repair to the object not mentioned in the text, but visible in the photos, are considered to be described.