An 18th century red earthenware onion bottle, of globular form with a swelling body rising from a short footrim, slightly recessed base and tapering to a short cylindrical neck with everted rim. The surface is unglazed and undecorated, emphasizing the Yixing-inspired wares that became fashionable in Europe during the late 17th and 18th centuries. European potters, particularly in Delft, experimented with red stoneware and refined earthenware bodies in imitation of Chinese Yixing ceramics. These wares were admired for their elegance and exclusivity, which was rapidly gaining popularity across Europe. While teapots are the most commonly encountered form, bottle and vase shapes were also produced. The present example illustrates this cross-cultural dialogue in its pure form and material. For comparable examples of red stoneware bottles in Yixing style attributed to Delft production, see: A red stoneware bottle in Yixing manner, late 17th / early 18th century, illustrated in the collection of Thorsten Hotz, published on Delfts Aardewerk (online database), where it is discussed in the context of European imitations of Chinese Yixing ware: https://delftsaardewerk.nl/bekijken/voorwerp/thorsten-hotz/9775-bottle-of-red-stoneware More generally on Delft red stoneware and Yixing influence: C. L. van der Waals, Delftse Theepotten in Rood Steengoed, exhibition catalogue, Museum Het Princessehof, Leeuwarden. A similar bottle was sold here at Catawiki (€900): https://www.catawiki.com/nl/l/98504502-flesvaas-klei-delft-yixing-stijl-17e-eeuw Condition: One chip to the mouth. General wear and surface patina consistent with age. Please check the images carefully. Small imperfections and kiln-firing defects are not always described in detail. The written condition report is indicative only; the photographs provide the definitive and binding description of the item's condition. Shipping: The lot will be securely packaged and shipped with insurance.