Japanese Porcelain Teapot, European Frame. 17th Century.

Extremely rare porcelain and gilt copper teapot. The body of the object is a covered pot in Japanese porcelain from the 2nd part of the 17th century around 1660 from Arita. The pot was transformed in Europe into a teapot by adding a handle supporting a horse and a a spout forming a copper dragon gilded with mercury and embossed, the lid is formed of a swan. All these animals in relief are in cast bronze. This transformation was certainly made as soon as the pot arrived in Holland, as was the case with many Japanese porcelains of this period which were transformed into chandeliers, candlesticks and sometimes cut out for furnitures. In the case of our teapot the style of the mounts appears to be Northern European, probably Dutch and late 17th century. The porcelain is recess drilled for assembly.The porcelain is obviously drilled for assembly and it has been restored, broken into 3 part,  aesthetically, this is invisible but can be seen by transparency with strong light. No welding. Beautiful original gilding. Absolutely unique object. Height: 15cm.