
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