“Lotus Root”

Stoneware teapot made in the shape of a lotus root, with the body of the teapot made as the root of the tuber, and the handle made up of the shoots/stems and leaves (curled in a nighttime position). One end of the tuber ends in a pointed, ragged spout. A small lid sits on the top center of the tuber, and a small snail is the knob. Very detailed decoration, “art imitating nature”. Stamp under body; stamps underneath lid.

Maker(s)
Artist: Lu Wenxia (China, born 1966)
Historical period(s)
Modern period, 1994
Medium
Stoneware with slip pigments
Style
Yixing ware
Dimensions
H x W x D: 16.1 x 8.5 x 19.8 cm (6 5/16 x 3 3/8 x 7 13/16 in)
Geography
China, Jiangsu province, Yixing
Credit Line
Purchase — funds provided by David and Lois Raphling
Collection
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
Accession Number
S1995.114a-b
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Ceramic, Vessel
Type

Teapot

Keywords
China, lotus, Modern period (1912 - present), stoneware, tea, Yixing ware
Provenance

To 1995
Garth Clark Gallery, New York City, to 1995

From 1995
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, purchased from Garth Clark Gallery in 1995

Previous Owner(s) and Custodian(s)

Garth Clark Gallery

Description

Stoneware teapot made in the shape of a lotus root, with the body of the teapot made as the root of the tuber, and the handle made up of the shoots/stems and leaves (curled in a nighttime position). One end of the tuber ends in a pointed, ragged spout. A small lid sits on the top center of the tuber, and a small snail is the knob. Very detailed decoration, "art imitating nature". Stamp under body; stamps underneath lid.

Inscription(s)

The name seals of the artist appear impressed in the base of the pot and on the underside of the lid.

1. On base: seal (relief) - Lu Wenxia yin

2. Inside lid: 1)?; 2) Wenxia (relief)

Collection Area(s)
Chinese Art, Contemporary Art
Web Resources
Whistler's Neighborhood
Google Cultural Institute
SI Usage Statement

Usage Conditions Apply

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.

The information presented on this website may be revised and updated at any time as ongoing research progresses or as otherwise warranted. Pending any such revisions and updates, information on this site may be incomplete or inaccurate or may contain typographical errors. Neither the Smithsonian nor its regents, officers, employees, or agents make any representations about the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or timeliness of the information on the site. Use this site and the information provided on it subject to your own judgment. The Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery welcome information that would augment or clarify the ownership history of objects in their collections.

citation | Save this image How to download an image | Request Permission | Terms of Use