A very rare Vauxhall miniature polychrome teapot and cover, circa 1760-62

of globular form with an S-shaped handle, painted in a famille rose palette with flowering peonies and pierced rockwork within a fenced garden, repeated on the cover.

Acquired from Simon Spero, 30th August 2000

London, Stockspring Antiques, Ceramics of Vauxhall, June 2007, no. 56, illustrated in the exhibition catalogue, p. 55, no. 56

Bernard Watney, 'The Vauxhall China Works', E.C.C Transactions, 1989, vol. 13, part 3, pl. 205(d) 
Simon Spero, 'Vauxhall Porcelain - A Tentative Chronology', E.C.C Transactions, 2008, vol. 18, part 3, p. 368, fig. 58

there are a few minute nicks to the edge 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."

The final period of porcelain production at Vauxhall, circa 1760-64, saw the introduction of a small range of famille-rose wares, more simplistic than the factory's earlier and more sophisticated famille-rose patterns of the mid-1750s. This pattern, with its distinctive star-shaped flowers issuing from blue rocks occurs on a range of teawares, coffee cans as well as this very rare miniature teapot.