Teapot with Cover c. 1730

This charming teapot, crafted by the Du Paquier Porcelain Manufactory in Vienna around 1730, showcases the burgeoning European fascination with Asian aesthetics. The delicate purple and gold decoration, inspired by Japanese Imari porcelain, depicts figures engaged in leisurely activities amidst a landscape of trees and pavilions. This exquisite piece, now housed in the Art Institute of Chicago, exemplifies the skillful artistry and cultural exchange that characterized the European porcelain industry of the 18th century.