Bidspirit auction | Chinese Export Imari Soup Tureen

Chinese Export Imari Soup Tureen - Chinese export Imari porcelain tureen and cover, ca. first half 18th century. Of oblong octagonal shape with molded indentation corners, a pomegranate finial, and hare-head handles. Decorated in iron-red, underglaze blue, and gilt with profuse flowers and rockwork. The hare-head handles and finial in underglaze blue with gilt details. Provenance: Christie's, New York, ”The Benjamin F. Edwards III Collection of Chinese Export Porcelain, Part III, ” 20 January 2004, Lot 66; The Distinguished Collection of Leo & Doris Hodroff. Lot Essay: This was a popular pattern of dinner service at the time due in part to set owned by the Portuguese royal family. The set was favored by King John VI (r. 1816-26) and Queen Carlota, then Prince Regent and Princess of Brazil. A similar tureen, with rabbit-head handles and pomegranate finial, is illustrated on the cover of Scheurleer, ”Chinese Export Porcelain.” Height: 8 1/2 in x width: 14 1/2 in x depth: 9 in. Condition: There are no cracks or signs of restoration. There are a few small to moderate chips along the rim of the tureen. Along the rim of the tureen, there are four areas with wax accretions. To the lid, there are a few small chips along the finial, particularly along high points and the extreme edges. There are scattered, rounded and linear firing flaws. Light surface wear. Light wear along the footrim.