A Chelsea Stand for a Finger Bowl, Red Anchor period, circa 1752-56
Clearly influenced by Meissen painting, the colourful bouquet and scattered sprays painted on this small stand include roses, an anemone, small blue daisy-type flowers, harebells, lilies, and heartsease. The wavy, silver-shaped rim is painted with a brown line.
A small painted red anchor mark can be seen inside the foot rim. The typical Chelsea ‘moons’ are visible with the aid of transmitted light.
Chelsea porcelain was aimed primarily at a wealthy market, and the factory was greatly patronised by the aristocracy of the middle years of the 18th century.
Condition: Excellent – no chips, cracks or restoration. The flower painting is incredibly detailed, and there is only very light wear from use, in places. A small area of kiln spit, typical of this period, can also be seen, mostly on the reverse. Chelsea fired their wares on ‘stilts’, and evidence of these kiln supports can be seen in the pooled glaze on the underside of the base.
This stand would make a handsome addition to any collection of early English porcelain, particularly if it was united with a similarly-decorated Chelsea finger bowl.
Dimensions: Diameter 14.9 cm
Chelsea Porcelain, Elizabeth Adams (Barrie & Jenkins, 1987).
Chelsea Porcelain at Williamsburg, John C. Austin (Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, 1977).