Large Chinese late Qing dynasty pewter double-handled lidded teapot decorated in low relief with calligraphy and a crane among flowering foliage. A separate removable strainer is in the interior. Measures 7” high to top of finial x 9” across to the end of the spout. Late 19th to early 20th century. Very good overall condition with typical wear. From the estate of Gerhard Lohmeier, a Diplomat at the German Embassy in Beijing from 1985 to 1989. The calligraphy might be translated as follows:
There was a house in the mountain behind the towering bamboo where plum blossoms blanketed the ground, where the snow froze on mossy tiles, and the setting sun hung on the humble dwelling. A broken window let in the wind. While low eaves cast their shadow over the reflective snow, a crane stood sentry over this quiet and lonely place watching people who hurried by. Drizzling rain fell endlessly like her unspoken longing. She casually glanced at her reflection by the edge of the water and savored the subtle scents in the corner of the garden. Adorned in plain white robes, she cut a beautiful visage.