A very rare Longton Hall tulip-moulded teapot and cover, circa 1754-57

of globular form with a vine handle and spout, moulded with tulip petals brightly painted in shades of pink and yellow and further painted with scattered insects and a flower sprig, some restoration.

The Reverend Cecil J. Sharp Collection, Sotheby's, London, 1st March 1955, lot 116
The Shand Kydd Collection, Sotheby's, London, 14th November 1995, lot 249

Stoke-on-Trent, The Potteries Museum and Art Gallery, Digging for Early Porcelain, 1998, illustrated in the exhibition catalogue, p. 6, fig. 3

Bernard Watney, The Antique Collector, 1955, vol. 26, no. 1
Frank Tilley, Teapots and Tea, 1957, col. pl. F
Bernard Watney, Longton Hall Porcelain, 1957, p. 40, pl. 41B
Henry Sandon, Coffeepots and Teapots, 1973, p. 61, pl. 69

There are some small flat chips to the rim of the cover. The spout of the teapot has been broken at the terminal and re-stuck. The handle has been broken at three points and re-stuck, there are some body cracks around the base of the pot.
"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."

A further example of this rare form is illustrated by William Bemrose, Longton Hall Porcelain, 1906, pl. XIV.