“Dragon Egg” (龙蛋壶) – Yixing Teapot – Marked: 葛德和制 – China – Republieke periode (1912-1949)

A Yixing “Dragon Egg” (龙蛋壶) Teapot, Marked “Made by Gedehe” (葛德和制)China, Republic PeriodA charming and finely crafted Yixing zisha teapot of the classic “Dragon Egg” (龙蛋壶) form. The body is shaped like an egg; compact, symmetrical, and beautifully balanced. Its surface is smooth and well-polished, with a short spout, an easy-to-grip wide handle, and a egg shaped spherical finial. Small, refined, and practical, this form has long been one of the most beloved designs among Yixing collectors.The base is stamped “Made by Gedehe” (葛德和制)About the Gedehe Pottery Company (1860–1954):Founded by Ge Dehe in Baidang, Dingshan, the workshop expanded significantly in 1860. In 1910, Ge’s descendant Ge Yiyun established the Gedehe Pottery Shop at Shanghai’s Old North Gate, where it became renowned for producing and retailing Yixing wares, including the popular “Yixing Jun-glazed” pieces.As one of the earliest Shanghai enterprises to specialize in Yixing zisha production, Gedehe employed a large and skilled team of craftsmen, benefiting from Shanghai’s commercial reach. Their products were distributed widely both within China and internationally.Teapots made for the Gedehe brand typically bear a square seal with raised script reading “Gedehe” (葛德和), while individual artisan seals are generally absent.Dimensions: H 8 × W 11.7 cm (spout to... lees verder bij Catawiki