A rare Chelsea Kakiemon teapot and cover, circa 1750-53

the fluted body well painted with the 'Red Tiger' pattern, a large coiled dragon on one side, the reverse and cover with a tiger, handle restored.

Christie's London, 14th October 1985, lot 104
Acquired from Simon Spero, London, 12th October 1999

London, Simon Spero, An Exhibition of Early English Porcelain 1745-1775, 1999, illustrated in the exhibition catalogue, p. 5, no. 3
London, Stockspring Antiques, The Dragon and the Quail, 2000, illustrated in the exhibition catalogue, p. 34, no. 85

Elizabeth Adams, Chelsea Porcelain, 2001, p. 79, fig. 7.12

The handle has been broken and cleanly re-stuck at both terminals.
"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."

This pattern, taken from a Japanese original, can be compared with the 'Twisted Dragon' pattern referred to in the 1755 Chelsea sale catalogue, Fifth Day's Sale, Friday, March 14th, lot 37, and Sixth Day's Sale, Saturday, March 15th, lot 72,  both of which included "a tea pot and stand". See also Frank Tilley, Teapots and Tea, 1957, pl. 17, fig. 60 for the example from the Parkinson Collection, sold at Sotheby's, London, 11th October 1966, lot 235.