Yongzheng Subject Tea Caddy #7349 Sold
A rare Chinese export porcelain tea caddy decorated in Famille Rose enamels with a scene of a European couple depicting a rather surprised looking gentleman in a flowing black cloak presenting a basket of flowers to a rather exposed lady with a very undone bodice. The sides of the caddy with scrolling foliate and floral designs, the shoulder and cover equally well-painted with diaperwork and peony reserves, finely done probably in imitation of Canton enamel work. This was obviously part of a special order tea set given it’s subject matter and theme; one can only imagine the looks of the guests when tea was served! The rarity of the piece is attested to by the array of collection stickers on the bottom, having once belonged the Martin Hurst, Hodroff and Mottehedah collections. Measuring 4 1/4″ tall x 3 1/4″ wide and in good condition with only restoration to the cover. Some black enamel re touched. A version of this image is depicted in Hervoet’s book Les Porcelaines des Compagnies des Indes a Decor Occidentale where they date it to the Yongzheng period, circa 1735.