A Rare Chinese Export Famille-Rose 'Don Quixote' Teapot and Cover, Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Period | 清乾隆 粉彩唐吉訶德人物故事圖茶壺

Two services painted with 'Don Quixote' pattern are widely published, the earlier service produced around 1742, the decoration of that service faithfully copying an engraving by J. Folkema (1692-1767). This engraving derives from another engraving by B. Picart (1673-1733), which was after a painting by C. Coypel. A plate from this service, formerly in the collection of Khalil Rizk, sold in these rooms April 25th, 2008, lot 180. The second iteration of the service, produced circa 1750, was redrawn by a Chinese artist as evident in the rendering of the background rockwork and trees. A large oval platter along with a Mottahedeh porcelain reproduction, formerly in the collection of Nelson and Happy Rockefeller, sold in these rooms, January 18th, 2019, lot 316.

While the two services are well know and well studied, the present example differs from both groups of porcelains in decoration and demonstrates a freer, more painterly style, and features bamboo leaves issuing from the trees. A small cream jug and cover decorated in the same style sold in our London rooms, November 2nd, 1993, lot 98. While these two works may have been single commissions, it is more likely that these were components of a third, smaller tea service made in the second quarter of the 18th century.