A LONDON DELFT BLEU PERSAN OVAL POTTING POT - CIRCA 1700

Of slightly flared form, painted in white with a seated Oriental among rockwork and grasses, the reverse with pierced rockwork and a hut among pine, restoration to rim and area of restoration at one end, some surface scratching and slight flaking to rim. 6 3/8 in. (16.2 cm.) wide. Estimate: £3,000 - £5,000 ($5,829 - $9,715)

Pre-Lot Text: The series of bleu Persan flower-pots or urns of campana form are exceptionally rare, perhaps inspired by French prototypes from Nevers; these were more likely to have been used for the display of bulbs or pot plants rather than cut flowers, their pierced bases supporting this suggestion.

Provenance: Acquired from Jellinek & Sampson Antiques, 19 May 1980.

Christie's London.  SIMON SAINSBURY THE CREATION OF AN ENGLISH ARCADIA. 18 June 2008