China for Vietnam, second half of the 18th century, - Lot 35

China for Vietnam, second half of the 18th century, Rare and exceptional blue-white porcelain teapot, known as "Hué blue", decorated on the body with two five-clawed dragons chasing the sacred jewel adorning the pouring spout, accompanied by two qilin on a stylized cloud background in the form of ruyi and pierced rocks. Four-character mark in blue underglaze on reverse Khánh xuân thị tả "Made for the Principal Palace Shrine". H. 14 cm N.B. The mark "Khánh xuân thị tả" indicates that this teapot was commissioned or made for the Imperial Palace of Khánh Xuân, one of the pavilions of the Forbidden Purple City in Hué. The name "Khánh Xuân" evokes a positive connotation, associated with notions of renewal, prosperity and happiness, which can be translated as "spring joy". Spring, a symbol of nature's rebirth, is traditionally associated with joy and hope for the future, sentiments that the emperor probably wished to reflect within his court and family. As for the expression "thị tả", it could refer to a specific function in the palace, such as an object intended for offerings or rituals.