A very rare Limehouse blue and white teapot and cover, circa 1746-48

of small size and globular form, delicately painted in blue on one side with a large branch issuing peony flowers extending through the handle, the reverse with a smaller branch and scattered with four small winged insects, the cover similarly decorated and the spout with two branches and two large leaves. 

The Bernard M. Watney Collection, Phillips London, 1st November 2000, lot 909

Bernard Watney, Limehouse Ware Revealed, 1993, p. 61, fig. 120,
Geoffrey Godden, English Blue and White Porcelain, 2004, p. 104, pl. 110

In good condition, no damage noted.
"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."

Of the Limehouse teapots that are known this example is one of the smallest. It could be suggested that due to its exceptionally small size that it was produced as a miniature or 'toy'. A very similar, although larger teapot and cover also painted in an identical technique of a flowering branch extending through the handle, from the Susi and Ian Sutherland collection of English blue and white porcelain was offered at Bonhams on 3rd October 2007, lot 104. A further teapot of a similar size, 8.9cm high, painted with rustic figures and cattle in landscapes, the cover with similar flower sprigs is also illustrated by Bernard Watney, 1993, p. 46, previously sold at Sotheby's London, 3rd July 1979, lot 134, catalogued as Liverpool.