Small teapot (part of a tea set)
China
1800-1850
Measurements
4 in x 6-1/4 in x 3-5/8 in (dia)
Materials
Gilded and underglaze blue decorated porcelain
Credit Line
Historic Odessa Foundation, anonymous loan
Accession Number
2011.74.1
Provenance
Ex coll. H. Rodney Sharp
Comments
The small, globular teapot, sometimes called an apple form, has a short spout and a C shaped handle. The spout has floral decoration molded into it. A slightly domed lid with a prominent molded finial sits within a recess formed by a shallow neck. The tea pot and lid are decorated in a rich cobalt blue glaze in characteristic Nanking motifs, which include a prominent pagoda and other buildings, a bridge connecting two islands, waterways that meander through the scene, and Chinese figures on boats. A finely rendered floral border is at the top of the pot body and around the edge of the lid. The teapot rim, mouth of the spout, finial, and handle have gilded highlights.
The teapot is part of a set that includes a lidded sugar bowl, accession no. 2011.74.2, and a lidded creamer, accession no. 2011.74.3.
This teapot has been called a miniature, but some 18th century teapots are of an approximate size and likely were not intended as miniatures.
