This is a vintage Chinese Zisha (紫砂) teapot know as Purple Clay from the Yixing (宜興) region famous for these artistic pieces. This teapot very skillfully emulates the creation of one of the 20th centuries "7 Old Masters" of Yixing pottery, Jiang Rong 蒋蓉 (1919-2008). She created a wealth of highly imaginative and beautiful The toad perched on top is done in amazing detail while the lotus flower pod is created with each of the seeds sitting loose in place. A wonderful art piece that honors an important woman in China's art world.

Toyokuni .It measures about 7" (17.5) long by 5.5" tall (14 cm) and 3" deep (7.5 cm). Having been in storage or carefully displayed for most of the past 30 years, it remains in very fine condition.