Description:
Chinese export porcelain sauceboat with gilt-edged scalloped rim, loop handle and flat oval base copied from an European silver form, decorated in the Famille rose palette in iron red, pink, purple, blue, greens, yellow, brown, white, black, and gilding. The arms of Davis of Enfield in Middlesex, granted to Davis of London and Westminster, 1746, are under the lip: 'Per bend sinister ermine and ermines a lion ranpant regardant erminois, on a chief azure three mullets of six points argent' with Southerne of Fitts in Shropshire in pretence, 'Gules on a bend argent three eagles displayed sable; and the crest on the interior rim by the top of the handle: 'A demi wolf rampant regardant and erased azure ducally collered and chained or holding in the paws a mullet as in the arms.' William Davis, Assistant Governor of Bengal, married Anne, the sole heiress of John Southerne, in 1738. There are 2 gilt-edged cartouches on the 2 sides with elements of the 'Valentine' pattern - 'Altar of Love' (two flaming hearts on an altar, two doves billing on Cupid's quiver, wreath and side curtain) and 'Absent Master' (tree, wreath, dogs, sheep, shepherd's crook, pipes and hat). The 'Valentine' pattern, a combination of pastoral, erotic, and exotic South Seas elements such as a breadfruit tree and coconut palm, was originally found on a 1743 dinner service made in Canton for Commodore George Anson (1697-1762). It 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' 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). The interior has 2 pheasants on hollow rocks and floral sprays.
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https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+63.004 |
