Jiang Zhenxiang: A Yixing "Three Friends of Winter" teapot. Photo courtesy California Asian Art Auction Gallery.
Of naturalistic tree trunk form, the teapot depicts the "Three Friends of Winter", or plum tree, pine tree, and bamboo, gathered together in bundles to form the body of teapot, high arching handle bar and short spout in the form of plum tree branch, the lid finial in the form of pine tree branch, and the bottom incised with calligraphy, with artist mark and signature "Jiang Zhenxiang". Dimensions: H: 6 3/8 in (16.3 cm) W: 5 3/8 in (13.7 cm). Estimated Price: $4,500 - $6,500
Jiang Zhenxiang, a famous pottery maker during the Qing Dynasty Tongzhi period, was well known for making fruit and plants form teapots and other small decorations. Most of his pottery works were red clay teapots, but not many survive to this date. Some of his works were imitations of other older, famous pottery makers, and he would use the original artist's mark. For his own creations, he used the mark "Zhen Xiang".
California Asian Art Auction Gallery USA. March 14, 2014. 123 S. Mission Dr. San Gabriel, CA, 91776 USA - Phone: 888-977-9588 - Email: info@californiaasianartauction.com