QIANLONG (1736-95)

This shape is probably based on a Meissen original by Kändler of 1781, an example of which is in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. A pair of similarly modelled, but differently enamelled, duck tureens and covers is in the Peabody Essex Museum, illustrated by W. R. Sargent, The Copeland Collection, Salem, 1991, no. 113, p. 231, where the author suggests they represent sheldrake ducks. Other more similarly enamelled examples are in the Hodroff Collection, illustrated by D. Howard, The Choice of the Private Trader, London, 1994, p. 120, no. 119 (together with a pair of gosling tureens), and in the Bal Collection, Zeeuws Museum, Middleburg, illustrated by D. F. Lunsingh Scheurleer, Chinese Export Porcelain - Chine de Commande, London, 1974, fig. 191 and p. 220. A similar duck tureen and cover was sold at Christie's London, The China Trade Sale, 28 April 1999, lot 197.