Batavia ware was developed in China during the Kangxi Period (1661 to 1722) and imported to Europe by Dutch merchants. Produced specifically for export, Batavia ware is characterised by its brown external glaze produced with iron oxide known as Batavia brown, Capucin and café au lait. The brown glaze was often used in conjunction with painted enamels in blue-and-white, Famille Verte, Famille Rose and Imari decoration. This teapot is decorated with peonies, chrysanthemums and cherry blossoms in soft pinks and purples typical of Famille Rose decoration.
Batavia ware was first imported by the Dutch East India Company through the port of Batavia (now Jakarta, Indonesia), from which the name derives. Along with ceramics, goods such as tea, coffee, cacao, spices and opium were brought into Europe from this major trading hub. This decoration was imitated by European manufacturers such as Meissen and Leeds, and remained popular among wealthy Europeans until the mid 18th century.
