Teapot
Date1745-1749
Artist/Maker
Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory
(1745-1769)
OriginEngland, Chelsea
MediumPorcelain, soft-paste
DimensionsOH(with cover): 6 7/8"; H(without cover): 5 3/8"; Spout through handle: 6 1/2"; W: 4 11/16"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1962-83,A&B
DescriptionA white teapot in the form of a fat Asian man with feet crossed, stomach and chest bare, holding a parrot by the left wing and tail. The parrot, with beak open, forms the spout. The loop handle is in the form of a gnarled branch; the cover is in the form of a conical hat with fruit and leaves finial. Incised triangle under glaze on base.Label TextThe body of this teapot is in the form of a squatting Asian man who holds a parrot that serves as the spout. Branches form the handle; a conical hat is the cover.
A similarity to some grotesque figures made at St. Cloud has been noted by at least one scholar, and East Asian prototypes have also been suggested, including an Asian man astride a cock.
Three other examples of this form are known.
InscribedNone.
MarkingsIncised triangle under glaze on base.
ProvenanceEx coll: O. Glendenning (M.G.K., Mr. Tyrer, M.G. Kaufman.
Exhibition(s)
1745-1749
1750-1765
1745-1749
June 30, 1814 (dated)
ca. 1760
1790-1820
Possibly 1900-1930
Dated 1991
ca. 1695
1750-1752