Live Auction 5962Centuries of Style: Silver, European Ceramics, Portrait Miniatures and Gold Boxes
A WILLIAM GREATBATCH CREAMWARE TEAPOT AND COVER
Lot 67 PROPERTY FROM THE COLLECTION OF PATRICIA HART

A WILLIAM GREATBATCH CREAMWARE TEAPOT AND COVER

CIRCA 1770-82, SIGNED IN THE PRINT 'GREATBATCH'

Closed28 November 2012

Price Realised

GBP 3,500

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A WILLIAM GREATBATCH CREAMWARE TEAPOT AND COVER
CIRCA 1770-82, SIGNED IN THE PRINT 'GREATBATCH'
Of cylindrical form with an acanthus-moulded spout and ear-shaped handle, printed in black and enriched in colours and gilding with 'Harlequin and Columbine discovered in an arbour by Pierrot' and 'A lady, her suitor, and her father in a garden' to the reverse, each within an oval panel edged in iron-red and reserved against purple scrollwork and iron-red foliate panels, the domed cover with a ball knop and decorated with fruit and butterfly prints (cover with small chip to flange, minor flaking to enamels and gilding)
5 in. (12.7 cm.) high

Probably from the Edward Sheldon Collection (according to the paper label applied to the base).
With Katrina Kipper, Accord, Massachusetts, from whom it was acquired in January 1931.
The Collection of Mrs J. Insley Blair; sale Christie's, New York, 21 January, 2006, lot 501.

Specialist note

The scene of 'Harlequin and Columbine discovered in an arbour by Pierrot' is derived from an engraving in the John Bowles Drawing book, from a sheet bearing the date 24th November, 1756. It differs only in minor details from the print used by Greatbatch, who included his own name in his version. The inspiration for the companion print, 'A lady, her suitor, and her father' is unknown, though it has been suggested that given the dramatic nature of the subject matter it may also derive from a theatrical source.

For a teapot of the same form in Norwich Castle Museum, decorated with the same prints as the present lot, see David Barker, William Greatbatch, A Staffordshire Potter, London, 1991, p. 156, col. pl. XV.; see also the front cover illustration for a detail of the 'Harlequin and Columbine discovered in an arbour by Pierrot' print, including the 'Greatbatch' printed signature, on a mug from The Delhom Collection in the Mint Museum, Charlotte, North Carolina.

The paper label on the underside perhaps refers to Edward Sheldon and the sale held by C.W. Provis & Sons, Manchester, Early English Pottery and Porcelain, The Sheldon Collection, on 30 and 31 October 1928.