A Liverpool Porcelain Teapot and Cover, probably Philip Christian, circa 1765

A particularly attractive Liverpool porcelain teapot and cover, probably from the factory of Philip Christian, painted in a lively version of the celebrated “Beckoning Chinaman” pattern.

Of globular form with loop handle and gently curved spout, the body is decorated in bright polychrome enamels with Chinese figures arranged amongst ornamental furniture, jardinières and flowering plants. The composition is repeated on both sides of the teapot, each showing the same group of figures in an animated chinoiserie scene, accompanied by flowering vessels and decorative objects.

The slightly domed cover is painted with the same figural composition for a third time, creating an unusually cohesive and richly decorated ensemble. The palette of puce, yellow, blue, iron-red, black and green is particularly effective, with the figures strongly outlined and the surrounding details delicately picked out.

The neck is finished with a fine iron-red and gilt scalloped border, while the cover is surmounted by a pointed knop enriched in iron-red.

The Beckoning Chinaman pattern is among the best-known chinoiserie subjects associated with Liverpool porcelain, reflecting the mid-18th-century English taste for fanciful depictions of Chinese figures, interiors and ornamental gardens. The repetition of the same scene on both sides of the body and again on the cover gives this example especially strong decorative impact.

Provenance: The underside retains an old retailer’s label for Schinz, Michel & Cie., Neuchâtel, Switzerland, adding an interesting element of early collecting provenance.

Probably Philip Christian, Liverpool, circa 1765.

Height: 14 cm.

Condition: Overall in good condition, with only very minor age-related wear to the enamels and gilding.