Images(3)

Saucer

Date1751-1758

Artist/Maker Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory (1745-1769)

OriginEngland, London

MediumSoft-paste porcelain

DimensionsD: 4 3/4"; H: 1 3/16"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1962-31

DescriptionOctagonal saucer decorated in underglaze blue with Chinese river scene of three islands with buildings and almost indistinguishable fisherman in foreground. Blue line around outside of ring foot on base.
Label TextUnderglaze blue decoration, particularly as found on this piece, is so foreign to Chelsea porcelain that, in spite of the saucer's typical paste, one might question the attribution. The mark, in underglaze blue rather than red, occurs on examples decorated with only one other blue-and-white and two polychrome patterns. Any doubts as to its attribution should be erased by the fact that an unglazed octagonal tea bowl in the same motif and with the same mark was discovered on a shelf in one of the chambers unearthed at the Chelsea site in 1906. Although there are at least five recorded saucers of this pattern, no other form survives save the bisque tea bowl.
InscribedAnchor painted in underglaze blue on center reverse.
MarkingsNone
ProvenanceEx coll: M.G. Kaufman, Chicago