18th C. Pseudo Tobacco Leaf Chinese Export Teapot

Chinese porcelain pseudo tobacco leaf pattern teapot of globular form. 3rd quarter of the 18th century.

Dimensions: Approximately 9” wide x 5½” tall.
 
Decoration:
The body is decorated with underglaze blue outlines and famille rose and gold overglaze enamels with floral motifs in a pseudo tobacco leaf pattern. The pattern on this piece is similar to the variant described by Pierre L. Debomy as Pattern B.7 in his book “Tobacco Leaf and Pseudo” at pp 170 - 171.
 
The molded handle and spout are similarly decorated. The lid knop,the tip of the handle, and the tip of the spout are gilded.
 
The foot is hand trimmed and indicates the porcelain was produced with finely levigated clay.

According to Debomy the  term “Pseudo Tobacco Leaf” refers to motifs whose technique is very close to the pattern called Tobacco Leaf, with the same flowers and other motifs such as rosettes and rings, but without the large leaves that generally occupy three quarters of the surface of Tobacco Leaf pieces.
 
In Pseudo Tobacco Leaf, the leaves are more discreet and varied and are often painted more energetically.
 
Condition: A small frit on the handle and slight rubbing to gilded lid knop and tip of the spout, otherwise in excellent condition consistent with age and usage.