Chine de commande - Armorial / Pseudo-Armorial wares 1700-1800 - Pseudo-Armorial - Page 1

Object 2012532

Tea bowl and saucer

China

1740-1750

Height of tea bowl 45 mm (1.77 inch), diameter of rim 75 mm (2.95 inch), diameter of footring 36 mm (1.42 inch), weight 67 grams (2.36 ounce (oz.))

Height of saucer 28 mm (1.10 inch), diameter of rim 121 mm (4.76 inch), diameter of footring 76 mm (2.99 inch), weight 83 grams (2.93 ounce (oz.))

Tea bowl and saucer on footrings, the bowl with handle. Decorated in encre de Chine, gold and a pink-gold wash with three monogrammed ovals surmounted by a coronet surrounded by European scrollwork with hanging flowers supported by two angels. In the dexter oval a cipher "J C V E" and a cipher "F V P " at the sinister side oval, underneath both ovals a third oval with the cipher "P V P". On the base of the tea bowl an old square paper label that reads: 'encre de Chine ca.1750 fl.750,- kop + sch' The tea bowl is decorated en suite.

Monograms and ciphers are mainly personal as opposed to coats of arms that beside by individuals can also be borne by whole families and communities. Pseudo-armorials are those emblems and signs which only resemble a coat of arm by using heraldic components such as a shield shape and/or banners, spears, flying angels etc. that surround the monogram or cipher. Chinese export porcelain decorated with three monogrammed ovals is rare. (Kroes 2007, p.56)

For an earlier sold, identically, shaped, sized and decorated tea bowl and saucer, please see:

Sold Ceramics - Sold Chine de commande - Armorial / Pseudo-Armorial wares 1700-1800 - Pseudo-Armorial - Page 1 - Object 2010944.

Condition:

Tea bowl: Perfect.

Saucer: Some wear to the decoration round the inner rim and two fleabites and a chip to the rim.

Reference:

Kroes 2007, p.56

Price: Sold.