A rare early Meissen Böttger porcelain teapot and cover, circa 1715

of barrel form, applied in relief with two flowering chrysanthemum branches, the spout issuing from a scaly serpent head mask and the cover applied with three small branches, minor chips.

Phillips, London, 7th December 1994, lot 19

There is a chip to the knop and the underside of the rim of the cover. There is a flat chip along the top edge of the spout.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Another example of a teapot of this form with identical applied moulding was sold at Sotheby's, Zurich, on 26th June 1971, lot 15. A flask with the same decoration is illustrated by Ernst Zimmerman, Meissener Porzellan, 1926, pl. 83.