The base of this teapot is marked K.P.M.(Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur or Royal porcelain manufactory) a mark which was used by the Meissen porcelain manufactory between 1722-1723. The decoration was most likely added ca. 1728-1730 and depicts two boys, one seated on the ground and holding a fan, while the other carries a basket of flowers on his back. This type of decoration is copied from a Japanese model made at the successful Sakaida Kakiemon Factory in Arita, Japan. This decoration was usually painted in hues of blue, red, turquoise and yellow, typical of the Kakiemon style. The decoration on this teapot, however, is very rare as it is painted in puce camaïeu (purple) enamels, which was an expensive colour at this time. The addition of a moulded grotesque head at the base of the spout also hints at the fact that the teapot is most definitely European in origin.
