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The pomegranate is a Buddhist sign, the fruit being supposed to represent the essence of the
favorable influence believed to exist in the pomegranate tree, a twig of which is sometimes
used instead of willow for sprinkling water. When peaches are not obtainable, even the Taoists would make use of
pomegranates in their place at temple functions. Owing to its numerous seeds, the pomegranate
is an emblem of posterity, and the inspiration for this jade teapot. The body of the pot is
carved on two sides to show the seeds within, the spout is formed of a curved leaf, and the
handle represents a sturdy stem attached to the fruit. Both the finial and the base of the
teapot are composed of several pomegranate flowers. |
