A London-decorated Chinese export teapot, ex Watney collection, Qianlo

Code: watney

A Chinese export teapot and cover, imported into Europe as an underglaze blue example and then enamelled in England with flowers and foliage in ‘Limehouse’ style.  Height 14cm (5.4”).  Qianlong c 1740-50.

From the collection of Bernard Watney, sold at Bonham’s London in November 2003.

The comparison of the enamelling with examples from the short-lived London Limehouse factory has led to these wares being called ‘Limehouse class’.

Condition:  the teapot and cover are in very good condition, with a small shallow chip and related short crack to the end of the spout, and a faint firing line to the top of the lower end of the handle.  No other damage and no restoration