Circa 1700s
An extremely rare and early depiction of ostrich riding.
Figural Hausmaler grotesque teapot featuring a 5th-15th century (the middle ages) nobleman and his monkey riding an ostrich! The major auction houses identify this as a mold by Claude Innocentius du Paquier (1718-1751). Is this a Du Paquier?
Leading porcelain experts claim this is Neptune and the spout is actually a dolphin or fish, but we dispute that. Each pot was handmade and the neck on this one has raised ostrich-bumpy-skin not seen on other pots. Paquier's 'dolphin' pots have smooth necks with painted-on fish scales. Also, it looks like an ostrich and has an ostrich-egg-sized body. No makers mark. We believe the decorations best match pieces out of Gien. Missing its lid and has a very old repair to the glaze on the monkey's back (see pics) otherwise in wonderful condition with only minor glaze flaking here & there and age crazing on the white-underside. Stands about 7" tall. Shipping will be $4.95 to any U.S. address ($18.00 foreign).