Description:
Chinese export porcelain teacup in the Famille rose palette of blue, pink, iron-red, green, rose, brown, black, white, and gilding with a gilt spearhead border around the interior rim and traces of gilt sprig in the center well. One side of the cup has the arms of Temple of Stow in Buckinghamshire with a crescent denoting a second son (quarterly the arms are for the heirs of Leofric Earl of Mercia and Temple): 'Or an eagle displayed sable' and 'Argent two bars sable each charged with three martlets or, with a crescent for difference'; and the crest: 'On a ducal coronet a martlet all or.' This service was ordered by Sir William Temple (1694-1760), 5th Baronet and second Viscount Cobham of Nash House, Worcestershire. The other side is decorated with an element of the 'Valentine' pattern - 'Altar of Love' (two flaming hearts on an altar, two doves billing on Cupid's quiver, wreath and side curtain). 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' (tree, wreath, dogs, shepherd's crook, pipes and hat, sheep) 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).
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https://museums.fivecolleges.edu/detail.php?t=objects&type=ext&id_number=HD+65.008A |
