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 3/16"; Dia: 4 15/16"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1962-86,2

DescriptionFluted saucer with lobed edge painted with brown line decorated in polychrome overglaze enamels with 2 scenes, one with ruined arches, a river, and figures; the other with rocks, trees, and mountains.
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