Yixing is indeed earthenware and I think the fabric is the key. My first
(and ? best) guess was that it is was also stoneware though the spout looks
very eroded. However, I have learnt from experience that photos of pots from
the sea can be very misleading re fabric and indeed can de very difficult
when handled due to wear and incrustations etc. The actual pot needs to be
seen by a specialist.


paul courtney

----- Original Message -----
From: "Christopher Borstel" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, January 15, 2003 9:19 PM
Subject: Re: Help on IDing a stone lamp


> I agree with Paul Courtney regarding the post from Michael Kolb.
> The vessel looks like a teapot rather than a lamp.  I'm not sure I
> agree with his attribution of the pot as an Yixing vessel.  While the
> size and the elaborate vine and flower sculpting are consistent with
> Yixing styles, it appears that the vessel is made of stoneware.  It's
> my impression, based mostly on a limited familiarity with modern
> Yixing teapots, that they are typically made of earthenware, often
> covered by a very fine, almost glaze-like, slip.  Nonetheless,
> perhaps Paul Courtney is correct, for as he points out it is difficult
> to discern the fabric or ware type from the photos, especially
> considering the pot's apparently prolonged immersion in salt water.
>
> --Chris Borstel
>