Teapot with Two Dragons Chasing a Pearl

Two dragons chasing a flaming pearl is a traditional auspicious motif in Chinese culture. In contrast to its European counterpart, where dragons are often associated with malevolence, in China they symbolize positive attributes, such as strength and invincibility. Once the teapot was in Europe, it was fitted with the gilt-bronze chain and decorations on the handle and spout to protect its more delicate parts.