Title translation: "Large‑Dragon Pattern Flattened Jade Hu" (大龙纹扁玉壶)

Notes on identification: The exact canonical form called "扁玉壶" is not a widely standardized historical term, and without a photo the identification is somewhat ambiguous. Literally it reads as a flattened (low‑profile) jade hu/teapot decorated with a large dragon motif (大龙纹).

Brief history and context: Jade carving is one of China’s oldest decorative arts, with ritual and prestige vessels made from nephrite throughout the Neolithic, Shang and Zhou periods. The word hu originally referred to ewers or wine containers that appear in Han and earlier bronzes; later vessel shapes were freely adapted in both metal, ceramic and jade carving. True functional jade teapots are comparatively rare — jade objects with teapot or ewer shapes are often scholar’s objects or luxury decorative pieces produced in later imperial workshops (Ming–Qing and later) inspired by ceramic teapots such as Yixing forms. The dragon motif (大龙纹) is a long‑standing imperial and auspicious emblem in Chinese art, commonly used to convey power, protection and high status.

Shape note: A "扁" (flattened) jade hu typically implies a low‑slung, broad‑shouldered body with a compressed profile rather than a tall vase; details such as spout, handle and lid may follow ewer/teapot conventions but can vary considerably by period and maker.
Wood-fired handmade Yixing teapot made from Duanni clay sourced from the original Huanglongshan mine. Xu Shun Wei.