Pair of Fine 'Tobacco leaf' Tureens with Covers and Dishes

The tureens and covers in the form of pomegranates with calyx handles, bvibrantly painted in the typical 'tobacco leaf' palette in shades of pink,light and dark blue, yellow and green enamels. The covers have three moulded pomegrantes and a twig-like handle. The dishes have convex moulded panels and a scalloped rim.

The bursting pomegranates on the lids of the tureens are set against an asymmetrical arrangement of serrated leaves and floral bouquets, the tureen bases similarly decorated. The dishes have three pomegrantes at the centre and large and smaller flowers set on a leafy ground, with tiny floral sprays at the rim. Qing dynasty, 1770-1780.