Tea bowl and saucer

Date1752-1758

Artist/Maker Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory (1745-1769)

Attributed to Jefferyes Hammett O'Neale

OriginEngland, London

MediumSoft-paste porcelain

DimensionsH: 1 13/16"; Dia: 2 1/2"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1962-86,1

DescriptionFluted cup with lobed edge painted with brown line. The exterior is painted in polychrome overglaze enamels with ruined columns, mountains, figures, and trees. The interior bottom is painted with a flying insect.
Label TextThe decoration on these pieces can be attributed to Chelsea decorator Jefferyes Hammett O'Neale. They have many of the characteristics generally ascribed to O'Neale, notably the "pinhead" people in Roman dress standing together, with one seated, near the river. The classical ruins are similar to those found on three examples with marks believed to be part of O'Neale's name. A Chinese porcelain saucer painted in England by the same hand and inscribed "Owen Rowe O'Neale" is at the Victoria and Albert Museum. More than one Chelsea artist painted classical ruins, as can be seen by surviving cups and saucers of the same style painted with similar motifs but by different hands.

Red anchor period.
InscribedRed anchor painted on exterior base.
MarkingsNone.
ProvenanceEx coll: Sir Leigh Ashton, London; Sheelah MacAlaster, London; M.G. Kaufman, Chicago