Red & Gold / Rouge-de-Fer 1690-1730 - Tea, Coffee and Chocolate wares

Object 2012631

Teapot

China

1700-1720

Height with cover 149 mm (5.87 inch), height without cover 117 mm (4.61 inch), diameter handle to spout 175 mm (6.88 inch), diameter of mouthrim 52 mm (2.05 inch), diameter of footring 50 mm (1.97 inch), weight including cover 379 grams (13.37 ounce (oz.)), weight cover 34 grams (1.20 ounce (oz.))

Egg-shaped teapot on a footring. Straight spout, curved C-shaped handle, domed pierced cover with a pointed knob. Decorated in 'Red & Gold' / 'Rouge-de-fer' with iron-red and gold on the glaze between two diaper-pattern borders in underglaze blue, with on either side of the body a flowering chrysanthemum and prunus, their flower buds in low relief. On the handle and spout florets between scrolls. The cover is decorated en suite.

Only grown in China and Japan during the 17th Century, tea became known in the Netherlands early because the Dutch East India Company (VOC) shipped small quantities home. Its use as a beverage was established slowly, and was probably started by retired VOC employees who had become accustomed to drinking tea in the East. At a tea party, the expensive beverage was served in small teapots, one for each guest, filled with the leaves of the type he or she preferred. The tea was poured into small cups, while the teapot was refilled with hot water from a metal or sometimes ceramic kettle. The small quantity of famille verte teapots still abound reflects the demand in Europe at the time. Elaborately decorated, they must have been regarded as luxury wares for the upper classes. (Jörg 2011/2, p.131)

For an earlier sold, identically, shaped, sized and decorated teapot, please see:

• Sold Ceramics - Sold Red & Gold / Rouge-de-Fer 1690-1730 - Tea, Coffee and Chocolate wares - Page 1 - Object 2012604.

Condition: Some firing flaws on the handle and knob and two fleabites to tip of the knob,

Reference:

Jörg 2011/2, p.131

Price: Sold.