They are a varied group, but all 18th century porcelain & pottery. As a group they trace the evolution of the form, and illustrate the change in style over the course of the century.
The earliest we have is the following, from France, and attributed to Marsaille, c.1725. Note the very small handles.
This example is also French, from Marseille, and dates to the mid 18th century. The handles have become quite substantial.
This is a Worcester example, with well painted Chinoiserie scenes, c.1756. It is a curious piece due to a negligent painter, who has only painted three of the four cell-pattern rim sections, the other being absolutely blank!
Over to the continent, and this Marcolini example is much more flamboyant, reflecting the sophistication of the later 18th century.
Here's an interesting one, from China- an order was sent to China for a service with the family crest- in this case, the McKee family. Their motto MANU FORTI - with a strong hand- sits beneath the complex crest, which shares another family's coat if arms - a marriage piece. This dates to the 1750's.
A stylish edition comes from the Comte d'Artois factory in Paris , and dates to the 1780's. It is notable for it's use of colour at a time when only the Royal factory of Sevres was entitled to be colorful- but by obtaining the patronage of the Comte d'Artois, the factory managed to get away with it!
This vibrant example is not porcelain like the preceding few, but tin glaze pottery. With an opaque white glaze to hide the crude body, it is vibrant in it's colorful flowers, and certainly trying to be porcelain!
It dates to the 1780's and is attributed to Strasbourg.
Another Chinese example, this one with an interesting use of brown enamels and gold which almost give the illusion of bronze. It dates to the 1760's.
And finally, this splendid English creamware example, maker unknown.... a fascinating mix of the cos- lettuce form seen in Worcester 1752-3, with a fascinating Baroque shell & scroll foot that hearkens back to the earlier 18th century silver forms, we date it to around 1760.
Come along & see the whole show, opening April 16th- or see it online on our website.
