Square teapot on very low, square firing-ring, irregularly glazed base with adhering kiln-sand. The lower body bulges before reverting to a square shape. Flat square lid with square knob protruding from a modelled flower in low relief. Squared, curved spout, the flat handle forming part of a latticework pattern. On either side of the body a flowering prunus spray in low relief. Around the mouthrim pendent spearblade motifs. Blanc de chine manufactured in the kilns around Dehua in Fujian Province is famous for its pure porcelain clay and creamy-white flowing glaze. The pieces are mostly undecorated, allowing the glaze and shape to show. In addition to a variety of three-dimensional figures, wares for practical use were also manufactured for export. This teapot, with its square, slightly bulging shape is difficult to make and the result is remarkably good. Note that a thick support was made to enable the spout to be attached. The triangular motifs around the mouthrim are derived from archaic bronze-work and originally represented the blade of a spear. The flowering prunus spray in low relief is a common motif on blanc de chine utility ware. A comparable piece does not appear to b...