Porcelain Europe was obsessed with porcelain at the height of the Age of Exploration. It was perceived to be extremely valuable – a mix of the exotic and the functional. “Bone china,” as it was known joined the items that were considered as the fineries of the period. When the Portuguese, Dutch and Spanish created the trade routes, porcelain in large quantities came to Europe. And so did tea. Drinking tea was the height of fashion of society and required the appropriate “chinoserie mise en scene.” Then came the in-laid tea cabinets. As tea and sugar were extremely value, they were kept in special chests. To complete the service, were the plates, the tureens, and list continues. From China and Japan, then to the beginnings of European production -- these coveted items are on offer in this catalogue.
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auction 0016