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Teapot in the Shape of a Plum Blossom

Shi Dabin Chinese
early 17th century
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 201
The invention of the teapot is often credited to potters working in the Yixing district of Jiangsu Province sometime in the sixteenth century. It is thought that these potters adapted the shape of a wine ewer to meet the needs of tea aficionados who had begun using steeped leaves rather than powdered tea.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Teapot in the Shape of a Plum Blossom
  • Artist: Shi Dabin (Chinese, active 1620–40)
  • Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
  • Date: early 17th century
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Stoneware (Yixing ware)
  • Dimensions: H. 3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm)
  • Classification: Ceramics
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Ann Eden Woodward Foundation Gift, 1982
  • Object Number: 1982.362a, b
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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