Moriyama Mori-Machi Dragonware Green/Red/Gold Moriage Teapot c. 1926-29

Incredible! Closing in on antique status, this unforgettable hand painted teapot is an exciting example of highly stylized early twentieth century Japanese pottery.

In attention getting bright green, the standout is not only the heavily gilt dragon headed spout but the two 3-D gilt elephants. Crossing between an intense red raised trail over a moriage of water, these two enamel-eared beasts move attention from right to left, past trees and land enameled in orange, yellow, white, brown, and blue, toward land and to the dragon spout .

Half gilded in gold, careful examination of the dragon's neck denotes a pattern of raised scales. The backside repeats the enameled tree design. The lid itself is topped with a gilt elephant and moriage bird detail.

With lid detached, this earthenware teapot reveals a cream colored interior and a brown over green rim. Eleven hand punctured strainer holes add a human touch to this artistic beauty. Just who made these impressions? This is not your usual mass produced teapot but a prized display.

Origin: Japan c.1926-1929; Pre-owned

Dimensions: 9"W (spout to handle) x 6 1/4"H

Conditon: This is an 89 to 92 year old clay teapot with wear commensurate with age. There is slight crazing throughout. The hand painted brown rim around the opening shows some wear and the teapot lid safety tab is missing.

The unusual 3D elephants extend outward by 1 1/4 inches. This is probably why, over time, the tips of both exposed elephant ears got three small nicks to the edges. 

In the interior body there are four black spots and some clay/glaze bumps. These appear to be a manufacturing issue.

This teapot is such a rare and unique collectible that, despite the notations, will stand as it is, a much admired and appreciated artistic achievement.