Dimensions: 11in H x 8.75in W x 6.875in D Stunning, Chinese 15th Century Ming Dynasty Period, green jade gilt bronze handle tea pot. Impeccable Spinach green jade teapot in the shape of a Plum, with gilt bronze tripod handle, inlaid in cloisonne. A multi-lobed vessel, with convex spigot issuing forth into a small aperture. Crown shaped lid partitioned into lobed sections, with lobed patterned finial. Each gilt bronze tripod arm is fashioned with a cloisonne encrusted lotus flower at the joint, followed midway up the arm by imperial dragon festoon. The main body carved in melon fruit shape, with the dome lid finial bud. The jade is fine and exquisite, the carving smooth, brilliant with a moist appearance, the finishing meticulous. The carving and inlaid works was precious, gorgeous proportion, with beautiful translucent. Jade is a deep spinach green coloration, with a bright sheen. Excellently polished stone that it smooth to the touch. This jade lidded vase conformed all required specimen to be high valued Chinese jade wares, with finest material, the whiteness, the cleanness, the color, the shape, design, and distinct. Notes: Jade, as a stone, has five virtues. Its glossiness and warmth is like benevolence. Because inside and outside is the same, so that knowing the outside one knows the inside, this may be likened to righteousness. Its far-reaching sound (when struck) may be heard from afar, like wisdom. It is not easily bent, but can be broken, which may be likened to courage. Jade relates to such virtues as benevolence, wisdom, righteousness, propriety, loyalty, and trustworthiness, and it also corresponds to the ways of the heaven and earth