Bidspirit auction | Stamped Ary de Milde (Dutch,

Stamped Ary de Milde (Dutch, 1634-1708) Delft Red Stoneware / Redware Teapot - Stamped Ary de Milde (Dutch, 1634-1708) Delft Red Stoneware / Redware Teapot Wheel-thrown compressed globular body decorated on either side with applied sprig-molded leafy flowering branches in the Chinese style; simple unadorned ear-shaped handle and conical spout. Stamped with a pseudo-Chinese seal mark on the underside consisting of four imaginary Chinese characters separated by gridlines. Cover (non-matching) features a hand-modeled otter (or possibly some other animal) recumbent on a pierced/openwork foliate trellis. Late 17th/early 18th century. Dimensions: 2 1/2” H without cover, 3 3/4” H with cover. Condition: Teapot: Undamaged. Cover: Undamaged except for minor flaking/chipping across outer rim and lower flange. As mentioned, the cover is not original to the piece, but it is a surprisingly good fit. Provenance: The Stradling Study Collection. Garths Auction, 05/05/1989. Ex-Wiltsie Collection (retaining detached sticker - recently removed to reveal the stamp on the underside). Catalogue Note: This is a rare red stoneware teapot made in imitation of the Chinese Yixing stonewares which were taking Europe by storm during the late 17th and early 18th centuries - a great example of the type made famous by de Milde's factory more than any other in the Netherlands. Its unusual square pseudo-Chinese mark is illustrated in a Dutch paper written about de Milde in 1916, where it is firmly linked to de Milde through analysis of several identically-marked examples, all of which are indistinguishable from other de Milde examples bearing the more common and better known oval-shaped ”running fox” marks (van Verschuer 1916, p. 23). For a teapot bearing a sprigged scene identical to the present lot, but stamped instead with the more common oval mark, see Bonhams' December 1st, 2025 London auction, lot 18. Similar teapots are known with a number of different arrangements of the sprig molds from the pot shop (Elliott 1998, color pl. 9B). Ary de Milde's reasons for sometimes using this pseudo-Chinese seal mark are presently not known. The teapot's mismatched cover is worthy of mention on its own because of its impressive workmanship and intricate detail. It seems to be of the same period as the teapot - it reflects the design sensibilities of Yixing pottery in the same era, but in a technically proficient style. Whether it is an actual Yixing cover, a Dutch or English imitation, or possibly even a Bottger piece, is unknown. Auctioneer's Note: We are thrilled to bring the Stradling Study Collection to market in partnership with Connor Rush of SFR Antiques, whose help and scholarship enabled the completion of this session's catalogue. A bibliography for the sale can be found here: ( https://bit.ly/3RYodeh ). For questions about lots 1 through 111 in this sale, or for help accessing the bibliography, please reach out to connor@nyeandcompany.com. Condition: Inside fitted with a loose Wiltsie Collection Stamp. Chips to rim of lid and foot of lid. Body of pot with no visible chips, cracks, or repairs. Possible repairs to lid. Appears to have painted color which doesn’t fluoresce under U.V. light. Otherwise, good condition. Thank you for your interest in our upcoming sale. Please be aware that all property is sold ‘as is’ and should be viewed in person or by a professional before the sale to fully assess the condition. This condition report has been prepared as a courtesy by Nye & Company specialists and should not be viewed as a substitute for physical examination by you and/or your professional advisor. Nye & Company specialists are not trained restorers/conservators, and the report is not as detailed as a comprehensive report that would be created by a professional advisor. We will do our best to make reliable observations on the work, which we hope will be helpful to you, we strongly recommend you enlist the help of a professional advisor to prepare a more complete report. While we try to photograph items as accurately as possible, please note that digital photography and images, especially when viewed through computer screens, may present colors that differ slightly from the colors of the object when viewed in person. We also wish to respectfully remind you that the Nye & Company warranties pertaining to the property are limited and set forth in our Conditions of Sale and do not extend to condition. PLEASE NOTE THAT AS OF JANUARY 1ST 2023 THE NYE & COMPANY BUYER’S PREMIUM HAS BEEN RAISED FROM 23% TO 25%. Condition reports are not provided in catalog descriptions. The absence of a condition report does not guarantee that the lot is in good condition or free from damage and wear. We encourage you to request a condition report and/or additional photos prior to bidding on any lot. We also recommend asking for a shipping quote before bidding. CASH, CASHIER CHECK, MONEY ORDER,