A rare Derby quatrefoil teapot and cover, circa 1756-58

with a fluted handle surmounted with a small shell, brightly painted in the manner of the Cotton Stem painter with two large sprays of flowers and small scattered sprigs, cover chipped.

The Gordon Partington Collection
Phillips, London, 23rd July 1996, lot 457
Acquired from Jupiter Antiques, Rottingdean, 9th September 1996

Teapot- fine haircrack to rim, approx. 1cm.length. Shallow chip to tip of spout, approx.1cm. length. Minor wear to enamels. Cover- shallow chip to rim, approx. 1cm. length by 0.5cm. at deepest point.
"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."

The four-lobed form usually called 'melon-shaped' is a feature of early William Duesbury period Derby teapots. The early date for this shape can be confirmed by an example decorated with Chinese figures with the base inscribed '1756', in the Cecil Higgins Museum, Bedford. The name 'Cotton Stem' originates in the thread-like treatment of the stalks of the painted flowers. This type of decoration closely imitates the contemporary deutsche Blumen palette used on Meissen, and which at the time was referred to as 'finely enamelled Dresden flowers'.