Description
Chinese export porcelain children's teapot and cover, Qianlong ca. 1750. The diminutive teapot decorated in the Valentine's or 'Altar of Love' pattern.
Provenance: Douglas Lorie Inc., Palm Beach, 16 March 1990; The Distinguished Collection of Leo & Doris Hodroff.
Reference: Howard, "Choice of the Private Trader," pg. 89, no. 77.
Lot Essay:
The Valentine Pattern describes a scene that typically includes two doves on Cupid's quiver, an altar with two hearts, a breadfruit tree with a floral garland, a palm tree, a shepherd's pipes, and two recumbent hounds. This imaginative scene was likely based on drawings by Lord Anson's official artist, Piercy Brett, who sailed with him on a voyage of circumnavigation. While the trees are very similar to his published illustrations of the voyage, the other objects are allusions to absent love.
This pattern enjoyed popularity for around twenty years, lending itself well to armorial porcelains as well as variations. This teapot somewhat simplified with only the birds on the quiver and the tree, lacking a garland.
Height: 3 1/4 in x width: 4 3/4 in x diameter: 2 3/4 in.
Provenance: Douglas Lorie Inc., Palm Beach, 16 March 1990; The Distinguished Collection of Leo & Doris Hodroff.
Reference: Howard, "Choice of the Private Trader," pg. 89, no. 77.
Lot Essay:
The Valentine Pattern describes a scene that typically includes two doves on Cupid's quiver, an altar with two hearts, a breadfruit tree with a floral garland, a palm tree, a shepherd's pipes, and two recumbent hounds. This imaginative scene was likely based on drawings by Lord Anson's official artist, Piercy Brett, who sailed with him on a voyage of circumnavigation. While the trees are very similar to his published illustrations of the voyage, the other objects are allusions to absent love.
This pattern enjoyed popularity for around twenty years, lending itself well to armorial porcelains as well as variations. This teapot somewhat simplified with only the birds on the quiver and the tree, lacking a garland.
Height: 3 1/4 in x width: 4 3/4 in x diameter: 2 3/4 in.
Condition
To the lid, there is a restoration along the rim. There are small chips and losses to the top of the finial along the lid. There are fleabite chips along the interior rim of the lid. To the pot, there are restorations to the handle, spout, and a portion of the rim, near the handle. There is a repaired hairline crack along the rim, extending downwards approximately 3/4 inch. There is a fleabite chip along the rim, noticeable upon close inspection. Along the mouth of the spout, there are fleabite chips. Along the handle, there is a minute chip, or possible firing flaw. There are small losses to the glaze. Some light scratches. There are fleabite chips along the footrim.
Buyer's Premium
30%
Export Valentine's Pattern Children's Teapot
Estimate $400-$800
Starting Bid
$200
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Leo & Doris Hodroff Chinese Export Collection
Nov 12, 2026, 11:00 AM ESTSt. Paul, MN, United States
$300
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