A Thai Market Yixing Teapot

The polished teapot raised on three round feet

The cover incised ‘Gong Ju’ which translates as ‘Tribute Bureau’

China Late Qing

Height; 3″ (7.5 cm)

Condition; chips to tip of spout

Small chip to rim of cover

Gong Ju, ‘Tribute Bureau’ is the mark of the bureau which handled affairs related to vassal states.

It is believed that this mark was used by Qing officials originally to identify teapots destined for the Siamese royal family

Later it became a mark of superior quality