Teapot and lid

Little Parlor Tea Scenario,
April 9, 2010

Status

On view

Date1775-1785

Geography Made - China

Medium/TechniquePorcelain, enamel, gilt

DimensionsOverall (H x W x D): 6 1/8 in. x 8 1/2 in. x 4 3/4 in. (15.56 cm x 21.59 cm x 12.07 cm)

Credit LineGift: Jess and Grace Pavey Fund, 2009

Object numberM-4854

DescriptionHand-thrown body with squared shoulders and molded footrim, a two-part sprig-molded spout, spring molded handle (broken off) and a cover with a scalloped edge, knob finial, and pierced air hole. Famille rose enamel decoration in the tobacco leaf pattern on the body, floral enamel decoration on the lid, and scrollwork on both the handle and spout. Remnants of gilding on the spout, handle, and body.

A:
Teapot with a barrel-shaped body and a squared, bamboo-molded handle and spout, on an integral foot ring, decorated in underglaze cobalt blue and overglaze polychrome enamels and gilt. The exterior features a large pink hibiscus against large-scale leaves and additional flowers. A scalloped blue line encircles the base of the teapot. Four overglaze red and gilded artemisia leaves frame the handle where it joins the body, and two overglaze red and gilded artemisia leaves frame the spout where it joins the body. The outside faces of the handle and spout are ornamented with overglaze pink willow branches with flowers, a flowerhead on their tops, and scrollwork along each side. There are traces of gilt on the handle and the lip of the spout.

B:
Low-domed, circular lid with a pointed bud knop, a steam vent, and a flattened-scallop edge, on a shallow foot ring, decorated in underglaze cobalt blue and overglaze polychrome enamels and gilt. A scalloped blue line encircles the flange. Three sprigs of red flowers and green foliage and three red flowerheads are placed around the dome. The knop is touched blue.

Pattern Name: Tobacco Leaf

Published ReferencesChristie’s, Manson & Woods International Inc., The Hodroff Collection, Part III: Chinese Export Porcelain from the Collection of Leo and Doris Hodroff, Wednesday, 21 January 2009, Sales Catalogue PONY-2261 (New York: Christie’s, 2009), lot # 212.

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