Description:
Chinese export soup plate decorated with a simplified version of the 'Valentine' pattern, which is a combination of pastoral, erotic, and exotic South Seas elements such as a coconut palm and breadfruit tree, originally found on a 1743 dinner service made in Canton for Commodore George Anson (1697-1762), in the Famille rose palette of iron red, green, blue, rose, brown, black, and gilding. The rim a gilt and red European rococo scroll band and the arms of George Chomondeley, Viscount Malpas (1724-1764), the eldest son of George 3rd Earl of Cholmondeley - a viscount's coronet over 'Gules two helmet in chief proper garnished or, in base a garb of the last, with Edwardes in pretence: 'Gules a chevron engrailed between three tigers' heads argent', and 'A griffin sable' and 'A wolf or' supporters, over the motto "Cassis tutissi ma virtus" or "Virtue is the safest helmet." The service was made for the Viscount's marriage to Hester (d.1805), daugher and heir of Sir Francis Edwardes, Bt. of Shrewbury in January, 1747. The well is decorated with an element of the 'Valentine' pattern - 'Absent Master' (tree, wreath, dogs, sheep, shepherd's crook, pipes and hat). The pattern was probably designed by then First Lieutenant Piercy Brett (1709-1781), Anson's official artist during his 1740-1744 circumnavigation; many of Brett's drawings were used as the basis for the engravings in "Anson's Voyages", published in 1748. 'Altar of Love' (two flaming hearts on an altar, two doves billing on Cupid's quiver, wreath and side curtain, missing on this version) and 'Absent Master' were independent motifs, remembrances of home, first combined on the 1743 service. Two other scenes are known to have been used: 2 wolves (or dogs) approaching a cottage; and a cottage, woman spining, man, oxen, and bridge (see HD 60.168). This plate is an example of how quickly an original design was adapted and simplified by Chinese painters to save time and expense in production.
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https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+60.156 |
