Description
Chinese export porcelain teapot and cover, Kangxi ca. 1710. Of quadrangular form painted with a scantily clad mermaid before a large carp in a landscape.
Illustrated in Howard, "Choice of the Private Trader," pg. 145, no. 154.
Provenance: Christie's, Amsterdam, "Chinese and Japanese Ceramics and Works of Art," 19 October 1988, Lot 161; The Distinguished Collection of Leo & Doris Hodroff.
Lot Essay:
The decoration for this teapot originates from a 1676 European engraving by S. Le Clerc, illustrating the story of Dirce, one of Venus' less successful rivals, who was turned into a mermaid as punishment for rivalling the goddess' beauty and made to fall in love with a carp. Very few of these teapots are known, indicating a special commission. Howard suggests that the rectangular shape may have been to accommodate the rectangular engraving
For a similar teapot, see the Groninger Museum, object number 1981.1035.
Height: 5 1/2 in x width: 7 1/2 in x depth: 4 3/4 in.
Illustrated in Howard, "Choice of the Private Trader," pg. 145, no. 154.
Provenance: Christie's, Amsterdam, "Chinese and Japanese Ceramics and Works of Art," 19 October 1988, Lot 161; The Distinguished Collection of Leo & Doris Hodroff.
Lot Essay:
The decoration for this teapot originates from a 1676 European engraving by S. Le Clerc, illustrating the story of Dirce, one of Venus' less successful rivals, who was turned into a mermaid as punishment for rivalling the goddess' beauty and made to fall in love with a carp. Very few of these teapots are known, indicating a special commission. Howard suggests that the rectangular shape may have been to accommodate the rectangular engraving
For a similar teapot, see the Groninger Museum, object number 1981.1035.
Height: 5 1/2 in x width: 7 1/2 in x depth: 4 3/4 in.
Condition
There are a few small chips to the underside of the lid. Some accretions to the underside of the lid. A few minute chips to the rim of the pot. Light wear to the footrim. Several hairline cracks to the underside that extend through to the interior of the pot.
Buyer's Premium
30%
Chinese Export Mythological Mermaid Teapot
Estimate $600-$1,200
Starting Bid
$300
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This auction is curated by:
Sean BlanchetAsian Art Specialist
Robert SnellPaintings and Sculpture Specialist
Leo & Doris Hodroff Chinese Export Collection
Nov 12, 2026, 11:00 AM ESTSt. Paul, MN, United States
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