An incredibly rare survivor this Chinese export porcelain Kangxi period teapot not only proved the test of time but is a tour-de-force of the potter’s and decorator’s art.  Hand-painted in underglaze blue with a rich scrolling peony design, the body of the pot is of double-wall form with the exterior wall painstaking hand-cut in a honeycomb pattern through which one can see further painted decoration of the interior wall.  The cover also reticulated with two concentric rows of  small vertical slashes, also painted within.  Obviously treasured since its creation, this piece shows no evidence of restoration to the delicate reticulation, but must also have been used at some point as there is minor restoration around the neck of pot under the lid and minute glaze fritting to the tip of the spout and edge of the cover.  Measuring 5 1/4″ tall by 6 1/2″ wide. Kangxi period, circa 1690.