Two unusual Chinese famille rose teapots and covers, Yongzheng/Qianlong

L.: 19,5 cm - H.: 12,5 cm (the 'parrot' teapot)

The VOC set up a venture in the 1730's to make very high quality porcelains in China to specific designs produced in the West, but in the Chinese style.
They employed Dutch artist Cornelis Pronk to make designs for these and he produced four sets of drawings over about three and half years that were sent out to Batavia. From there the designs were taken to Canton and the production was commissioned by Chinese agents. The designs were elaborate and used bright enamel colouring. The 'parrot' teapot is likely to be an example of this collaboration.