A FINE AND VERY UNUSUAL CANTON ENAMEL TEAPOT IN THE FORM OF A PEACH WITH GILT-BRONZE MOUNTS QING DYNASTY, 18TH CENTURY

the copper body worked in the form of a large ripe peach and a smaller fruit stacked on top forming a hinged cover, wreathed by a finely cast and incised gilt-bronze leafy stalk forming the gnarled handle and spout, the fruit skin delicately enamelled from pale bright green to rose pink, picked out with a blossoming sprig on the underside and five pale pink fluttering bats, the interior enamelled in pale turquoise

The teapot is in very good condition with only light enamel crackles in areas to the surface enamels. There is a minor dent to the tip of the spout.
"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."

This piece is notable for its naturalistic simulation of a peach which has been achieved through fine enamelling and delicate metalwork. A similar Canton enamel winepot and cover, but cast with an overhead handle in the form of a twig with two leaves and the pot painted with additional insects and flowers, was offered in our London rooms, 27th January 1976, lot 6.

Compare also a waterpot of related form and decoration with a four-character Yongzheng reign mark in black enamel on the base and attributed to the Beijing palace workshops, from the Qing Court collection and still in Beijing, illustrated in The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum. Metal-bodied Enamel Ware, Hong Kong, 2002, pl. 194, and included in the exhibition, China. The Three Emperors 1662-1795, Royal Academy of Arts, London, 2005, cat. no. 295.