Mottahedeh

(94)

Sacred Bird & Butterfly Tureen & Stand 12"x15"

The Sacred Buttery was a Chinese export pattern of about 1800 and was intended for those who admired the sophistication of placing traditional Chinese motifs of birds, butterflies and flowers on European shapes. The Chinese word for butterfly, tieh, is a pun which expresses the wish that the owner might live to a ripe age. These motifs were rendered with characteristic understatement in the traditional Chinese orange and gold colors in an all-over pattern.
The marriage of shape and design was a success, and was reproduced in English china of about 1800-1810. Reproductions from originals in Historic Charleston have also been produced.

A favorite with brides, Mottahedeh specializes in luxurious patterns and unique, elegant shapes that are reproduced from china found in museums and historical societies. The patterns feature complex and vibrant colors, and hand-painted gold decoration. The pieces are surprisingly fresh and timely, and look wonderful in both contemporary and traditional dining rooms.