A Böttger stoneware  teapot and cover, modelled by J.J. Irminger, circa 1715. Photo Sotheby's

the polished octagonal body of conical form on a low footring, the elaborately modelled spout in the shape of an eagle's head, supported by an unpolished mascaron, issuing from its mouth an angular bridge connecting with the spout; on the opposite panel an unpolished heraldic cartouche, flat-sided double scroll handle, the cover with an unpolished acanthus knop, formers' mark of Peter Greithner below the spout 9.5cm, 3 1/2 in high. Estimate 40,000-60,000 GBP

PROVENANCE: The Siegfried and Lola Kramarsky Collection, Christie's New York, 30 October 1993, lot 2

NOTE: Joahhn Friedrich Böttger (1682 – 1719) reported his invention of "red and white porcelain" in March 1709 and based the first red stoneware creations on the shape and style of metalware. As chief designer, he recommended the court silversmith Johann Jacob Irminger who by royal statement in 1712 became the head of the design department. The octagonal faceted shape of this teapot is clearly influenced by the Dutch and German silver teapots made at the same date, see for example, Helmut Seling, Die Kunst der Augsburger Goldschmieded, 1529-1868, Munich, 1980, fig. 561-563.

Sotheby's. The Collection of Giovanni and Gabriella Barilla. Londres | 14 mars 2012