Saucer

Date1750-1752

Artist/Maker Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory (1745-1769)

MediumSoft-paste porcelain

DimensionsDIAM: 4 5/8" H: 1"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1973-389

DescriptionWhite saucer with scalloped rim and circular pattern of oak leaves molded in relief. Anchor in relief on medallion applied to center reverse.
Label TextOne of three published examples, this saucer is molded with oak leaves in relief. The other two are believed to be slightly earlier, perhaps triangle period, and are unmarked. All three, when first recorded in the nineteenth century, were paired with strawberry-leaf tea bowls.

This saucer was first recorded in 1869 when it was sold at auction to "Allworthe" for £9.5s.0d. Several other items were included in the same lot, among them one of the other saucers and the two paired strawberry-leaf tea bowls (one molded with an incised triangle and the other with both the triangle and the crown-and-trident mark): "Two white Oriental china cups and saucers, 2 small vases and covers, and 3 red ground cups." Although they were described as "Oriental" in the auctioneer's catalog, now at the British Museum, the word "Oriental" is crossed out and "Bow" inserted in its place. Written in ink on the bottom of this saucer, probably about the time of the auction, is "2 cups and 2 saucers Old Bow. 3 different marks."
InscribedNone
MarkingsAnchor in relief on medallion applied to center reverse.
ProvenanceEx. Coll: Marquis of Hastings, Donington
Park, Leicestershire (sold 1869); "Allworthe";
A. G. Lewis, London; Mr. and Mrs. James
McGregor Stewart, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Tilley & Co. (Vendor)