AN INSCRIBED 'BLANC-DE-CHINE' 'POMEGRANATE' TEAPOT 17TH CENTURY

the globular body naturalistically moulded as a pomegranate with a six-sided star-shaped calyx forming the foot, the stalk forming the ear handle and the conforming cover moulded with leaves, partly illegible caoshu four-character inscription incised to one side, 13.2cm., 5 1/4 in; together with a 'Blanc-de-Chine' cup, of faceted leaf-section, the exterior moulded with stalks, veins and shoots forming the four short feet and the loop handle

Pierre Saque, Paris (according to labels).

The tip of the spout has been restored and repainted over an area approx. 1.5cm, which now has a 2mm paint flake. There is some minor wear around the rim from use and some tiny original glaze flakes to the edges of the leaves around the body. As for the cover, there are a few tiny chips to the tips of the leaves. Otherwise, both the teapot and cover are in good condition. The teacup is in very good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Similar teapots are illustrated, P.J. Donnelly, Blanc de Chine, London, 1969, pl. 61; Beurdeley & Raindre, La porcelain des Qing, Paris, 1986, p. 247, pl. 344; and Ayers, Chinese Ceramics. The Koger Collection, New York, 1985, p. 178, pl. 152. The Koger teapot is now in the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Sarasota, and was recently exhibited by John Ayers in the China Institute, New York, Blanc de Chine. Divine Images in Porcelain, 2002, cat. no. 16, where he attributes a date in the first half of the 17th century; note also a similar teapot was sold recently Christie's New York, 30th March 30 2005, lot 374. For a similar leaf-shaped cup, see Donnelly, op. cit., pl. 44C.