A Chinese Teapot Stand, decorated in the James Giles studio, circa 1755-65
This lobed hexagonal teapot stand was made in China in the middle part of the 18th century, and transported to London shortly afterwards. When it arrived in England, the only decoration it would have possessed is the so-called bianco-sopra-bianco (‘white on white’) raised floral design. This was achieved by applying white slip to the fired porcelain body, which was then glazed and re-fired. Fashionable European flowers, including a large windblown tulip and heartsease, a pair of cherries, and a butterfly with outstretched wings were added in the Giles studio shortly after the stand’s arrival in London. The rim is painted with a chocolate enamel line.
Provenance: Dealer label for Stockspring Antiques, London; Jill McNeile, a collector with an excellent eye and a penchant for Giles decorated Chinese porcelain.
Condition: Excellent – no damage or restoration, just very light wear from use.
Dimensions: Width 13 cm
The Early James Giles and his Contemporary London Decorators, Stephen Hanscombe (Stockspring Antiques Publications, 2008).
European Decoration on Oriental Porcelain, 1700-1830, Helen Espir (Jorge Welsh Books, 2005).
The Watney Collection of Chinese Porcelain Decorated in Holland and England (Bonhams, 2003).