The Friends are currently funding the purchase of two Chinese teapots. They will look great together when they are eventually put on display (this report will be updated at that time) and are wonderful examples of the type of Yixing wares that influenced English ceramic design so strongly in the 17th/18th centuries.

This early 18th century globular teapot features crisp modelling of fruiting branches and small Buddhist figures.  The metal spout is a replacement.

Each panel of this lovely hexagonal teapot (first quarter, 18th century) is pierced with pine and prunus designs, the cover surmounted with a mythical creature with a bifid tail.  Again, the spout is a metal replacement.

These two items were purchased at Auction for a total cost of £2090, funded in full by The Friends of Bristol Art Gallery.  Click on the images to enlarge them.

(This item added 18 November 2012)